METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION

MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 21, 2006



MEMBERS PRESENT: Patty Lewis, Bob Bell, Don Bailey, Frank Scafella, Bill Byrne, Asel Kennedy, Ron Justice, Allen Sharp, Janice Goodwin, Barbara Parsons


MEMBERS ABSENT: John Pyles, Joe Statler, Bob Roberts


MPO DIRECTOR: Chet Parsons


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


APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes of August 17, 2006 were approved as submitted.


GUESTS: Monty Warner, Bill Rice, Don Spencer


PUBLIC COMMENT:


DON SPENCER: Asked that changing the signage on the road to Dorsey’s Knob be considered; referenced an article in the Dominion Post regarding the Home Access Road Program and hoped our delegates and Senators would be mindful of the various resources available for road improvement; Some type of action must be considered to alleviate the problems on Beechurst Avenue.


BILL RICE: Communications to the public needs to be made so that there is an understanding that the Pastureland Parkway and the Mon Fayette Expressway are stand alone projects and they are both separate from the 2030 Plan.


MONTY WARNER: Discussed ongoing work for the Augusta Project at the Square at Falling Run. (hand out provided to all MPO members).


ANNOUNCEMENTS: A public hearing on the 2030 Regional Transportation Plan will be held on Wednesday, October 4, 2006 at 6:30 PM at the Erickson Alumni Center.


DIRECTOR’S REPORT:


  1. Correspondence received from Monty Warner/Square at Falling Run discussing the proposed Falling Run roadway;

  2. Information received regarding a series of grants available from the DOH (Transportation Enhancement Program/Recreational Trails Program).


SECRETARY/TREASURER’S REPORT: Bob Bell reported a beginning balance of $26,817.17, deposits of $33,902.97, disbursements of $39,126.57 leaving an ending balance of $21,593.27. Frank Scafella moved for approval. Allen Sharp seconded it. The motion unanimously passed.


DOT REPORT:

DON BAILEY (State): Discussed and reviewed changes and updates to area road projects. Bill Byrne asked that only projects that have the most interest to the MPO be reviewed, as it is really not necessary to discuss and review road resurfacing, etc.


DON WILLIAMS (Local)


  1. Work on the Mon-Fayette Expressway will be beginning soon;

  2. Anticipate some traffic congestion when the bridge at Osage is being replaced;

  3. Complimented Mountaineer Contracting on holding off on paving the Mileground with out compensation;

  4. A lot of momentum on the Falling Run project and all entities are trying to pull together and meet every month or so to discuss the projects’ progression. A traffic study is being done on the entire corridor;

  5. Will bring information to next month’s meeting regarding the turning lane at Dorsey’s Knob. Suggested Don Spencer contact Mr. Duffer at the DOH;

  6. Responded to Mr. Spencer’s reference to the Home Access Road Program and advised those roads only have to be maintained the way they were taken into the system. Little, if any, money goes into the program.



COMMITTEE REPORTS:


CAC: Mike Kelly advised there was a very good turnout. Don Spencer presented a handout dealing with the recommendations (4) from the Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board; Chet will work with the consultant to try to include the goals provided by the Bicycle Board; Studied concepts A & B; Beechurst Avenue is always an extensive discussion, and this topic will be kept in the forefront; Mountain Line list has been prioritized by David Bruffy.


TAC: Asel Kennedy reported that his group discussed “Option 8B”. The group wanted to set aside more money for what may come about with Beechurst Avenue; Discussed Square at Falling Run.


OLD BUSINESS:


REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE: Chet advised the document will include outlined items submitted. Because both committees discussed Beechurst Avenue at length, this issue will also be brought to the public hearing. A Public Hearing is scheduled for November 30, 2006 at 7PM.


GIS COORDINATION: Assessor Rodney Pyles had been invited to attend September’s meeting and was originally scheduled to do so. He contacted Chet to advise he had another commitment. An invitation will be extended for him to attend next month’s meeting.


NEW BUSINESS:


ORGANIZATION IDENTY and OUTREACH: Chet suggested that the Morgantown Monongalia Metropolitan Planning Organization name be changed to the Greater Morgantown MPO. Asel Kennedy moved for the change to be made. Barbara Parsons seconded it. The motion unanimously passed.


TIP AMENDMENTS: Ron Justice read a resolution that would include the Renovation of I-68 signage and Renovation of the Westover signal (intersection of Dent’s Run to intersection of Commerce Drive & US 19) into the TIP. Bill Byrne moved for approval. Bob Bell seconded it. The motion unanimously passed.


The meeting adjourned at 8:20 PM