GREATER MORGANTOWN MPO

Minutes of February 15, 2007



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


MEMBERS ABSENT: Patty Lewis, John Pyles, Janice Goodwin


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


APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Bill Byrne moved to approve the minutes of January 2007. Bob Bell seconded it. The motion unanimously passed.


DIRECTOR’S REPORT:


  1. Chet introduced the newest member of the MPO, Joe Fisher of West Virginia University;

  2. Received correspondence from DOH regarding development on West Run Road. Two developers will be putting in 700 plus units between Stewartstown Road and 857;

  3. Received an update from Marvin Murphy regarding the airport access road. The 2007 appropriations have fallen through;

  4. Received correspondence from Dan Boroff regarding the “short term fix” for Beechurst Avenue. The suggestions for signals, additional officers and the “Don’t Block the Box” are at the engineer’s level and on the Traffic Commission Agenda;

  5. Received correspondence from Paul A. Mattox accepting the revisions to the TIP Amendment;


It was requested that Chet forward information regarding school buses and fire/rescue vehicles access into housing developments. Asel and Bob will check into the turning radius for school buses. This information will be submitted to the School Board and the TAC for review.


SECRETARY/TREASURER’S REPORT:


Bob Bell reported a beginning balance of $10,935.57, four deposits made totaling $55,471.16, ten disbursements made totaling $10,221.43 leaving a balance of $56,185.30. Bob Roberts moved for approval of the report. Allen Sharp seconded it. The motion unanimously passed.





DOT REPORT: (STATE)


Don Bailey reviewed and discussed changes to the status report. Chet advised the 6-year program reflects the comments made by Mr. Bailey.


DOT REPORT: (LOCAL)


Don Williams suggested that once the MPO’s plan becomes final, the DOH’s commercial permits be reviewed to see how the two coincide. Asked that Chet send a letter to Dave Cramer asking that the MPO be able to review commercial permits. Asel Kennedy moved that the letter be sent. Allen Sharp seconded it. The motion unanimously passed.


CAC: Mike Kelly reported that the group would meet next month. They will discuss the goals for the steering committee as well as reviewing the CAC’s membership.

Mike asked that a developer from the county be appointed to the committee.


TAC: Asel Kennedy reported that he would like to get MUB to attend their meeting and discuss their long-range plan. Suggested that the DOH pass any major road improvements through the CAC and TAC for some input.


OLD BUSINESS:


Bob Bell will contact the County Commission and County Planner in Berkeley County regarding user/impact fees and report that information back to this group at next month’s meeting. It was discussed that this group would travel to Berkeley County and meet with their Mayor to explore their use of impact fees and development happening in that county.


NEW BUSINESS:


Correspondence received from Marvin Murphy requesting some clarification for two issues from the 2030 LRTP Update.

  1. Discrepancy on Falling Run Corridor Project and its funding sources;

  2. Transit funding – problem in that the federal budget proposed for 2008 shows significant cuts in funding. Need to find other ways to support transit;

This letter also advised the state doesn’t support “flexing” capability. The MPO needs to decide whether or not the flexing option remains in the plan or should the plan be amended for other options.


TIP AMENDMENT:


Bill Byrne moved for the TIP to be amended to include the Dupont Road Traffic Signal. Bob Roberts seconded it. The motion unanimously passed. Ron Justice then read the resolution adding this project to the TIP. Bill Byrne moved for approval of the amendment. Frank Scafella seconded it. The motion unanimously passed.


MEETING WITH DELEGATES:


Chet reminded anyone interested in making the trip to Charleston on Wednesday February 21, 2007 to meet at the Prete Building at 7:00 AM.


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