METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION

MINUTES OF AUGUST 17, 2006

 

 

MEMBERS PRESENT: Bob Bell, Don Bailey, Patty Lewis, Allen Sharp, Bob Roberts, Asel Kennedy, Frank Scafella

 

MEMBERS ABSENT: Barbara Parsons, Janice Goodwin, Joe Statler, John Pyles, Bill Byrne

 

MPO DIRECTOR: Chet Parsons

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Bob Bell moved that the minutes of the July, 2006 meeting be approved. Frank Scafella seconded it. The motion unanimously passed.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT: None

 

DIRECTOR’S REPORT:

 

  1. Correspondence received from Federal Transit Authority. The WVU Modal Facility needs administrative changes made to the TIP for monies to be set aside. No formal action is need.
  2. Will advertise for renovation of signage of the traffic signal at Westover;
  3. Contacted by Congressman Mollohan’s office advising of his availability for next week. Chet will get a list of potential dates and advise the MPO members of the best date;
  4. A new non-profit group is being organized; “WV For Better Transportation” that stresses education on transportation issues that are both state and local. They are looking for an endorsement from the MPO. They will be holding media event on August 22, 2006 at 3:30 at the Chamber of Commerce conference room. Chet advised that their website www.keepwvmoving.org explains their mission and shows which groups have signed on to support them. Chet will forward information to all board members.

 

SECRETARY/TREASURER’s REPORT:

 

Bank balance, effective August 9, 2006 is $29,084.79; with eleven checks written and a deposit made of $8919.13, the ending balance is $26,817.17. Frank Scafella moved to accept the report as given. Allen Sharp seconded it. The motion unanimously passed.

 

DOT UPDATE: Don Bailey advised of changes and updates on highway projects.

 

 

GARVEE BONDS:

 

Jim Sothen appeared to discuss Garvee Bonds and what, if anything, they would mean for future highway project funding. Handouts were given to the MPO members by Chet that provided an overview of GARVEE bonds.  The State recently committed to use $200 Million (maximum allowable by the legislature) in GARVEE bonds to commence work on US35 in Putnum County, WV.

 

LOCAL DOH REPORT:

 

MPO thanked Don Williams for getting the weeds cut down on Collins Ferry Road.

 

SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS:

 

CAC: Didn’t meet for the Month of August

 

TAC: Discussed Concept 8. Chet will send out figures for the concept 8 projects. The TAC meets again on Sept. 12 and will be fine tuning things with URS. Looking to have a public hearing by the first week of October.

 

GIS INFO UPDATE:

 

Correspondence has been received from the State Tax Department and they think it is in everyone’s best interest to work together. Chet has received a letter from the Assessor and he has advised he will attend the September MPO meeting.

 

HUMAN SERVICES COORDINATION PLAN

 

As part of SAFETEA-LU, the Federal transportation funding arm, MPOs are required to develop a Coordinated Public Transit – Human Services Transportation Plan.  The WV Dept of Public Transit is working with the MPO to get this plan developed by the end of December 2006.  The plan will identify the transportation needs and issues of a particular area and the transportation services available to meet those needs.

 

 

 

Frank Scafella moved to adjourn at 7:45 pm. Asel Kennedy seconded it. The motion unanimously passed.