September 16, 2010
The regular meeting of the Utah Transportation Commission, held in the Emery County Commission Chambers, 75 East Main, Castle Dale, Utah, was called to order at 8:32 a.m. by Chairman Jeff Holt. He excused Commissioners Kent Millington and Dannie McConkie from the meeting, and welcomed those attending.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Holbrook moved to approve the minutes of the August 11, 2010, UDOT/Commission Tour, and the August 12, 2010, Commission Meeting, held in Logan, Utah. Commissioner Barlow seconded the motion and the minutes were approved.
LOCAL AREA PRESENTATION BY REGION FOUR
Robert Dowell from Region Four started the local area update reviewing Main Street projects in four cities/towns in the county, two bridge deck repairs, Huntington Infrastructure, and three local government projects. Rick Torgerson from Region Four reviewed current or upcoming projects on I-70, S.R. 10, U.S. 6, and S.R. 19. He also gave an overview of projects and the funding history from 1994 to 2013 for I-70, U.S. 6, and S.R. 10.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Chairman Holt turned the time over to Commissioner Wilson for the Public Comments portion of the agenda. Craig Johansen, Johansen and Tuttle Engineering, said he was proud of the Moore Road construction, but there were still some things that needed to be addressed, with earmarked funds, for that roadway, including fencing of the corridor, and a redo of the cattle guards. He said he would go through the region with that request. Brad Giles, Castle Dale City Council, welcomed the Commission to Castle Dale City. He appreciated what UDOT has done to help clean up dislodged coal on the bridges east and west of the city, and would appreciate continued use of the broom truck to clean up the coal. Also, there has been a lot of damage to the curb, gutter and sidewalks in their city due to the truck traffic. The state is responsible for the curb and gutter, but the city is responsible for the sidewalks. They would like help with the sidewalks, due to lack of city resources.
Susan Simmons, Clawson Town Council, said they have some safety concerns in their town with accesses and would like to have the speed limit reduced through Clawson. Commissioner Wilson mentioned an upcoming project on S.R. 10 and assured Ms. Simmons that UDOT would work with them on safety approaches, as UDOT has concerns with access onto SR-10 as well. Charles Winder, representing south Grand and north San Juan Counties, distributed a petition for widening Highway 191 south of Moab. They are worried about the safety of the highway in their area, and would like to see if there is any way funding could be moved to this area due to growth and other factors. Robert Dowell stated that the Region will contact them to make sure UDOT is aware of the issues out there.
Rebecca Andrus, Moab City Engineer, and Dave Olsen from Moab City, distributed a handout containing letters regarding a project on Highway 191 in Moab. Ms. Andrus talked extensively about the storm water drainage issue and UDOT’s request that Moab construct storm water drainage improvements along Highway 191 now, which they feel is an unreasonable request. They are concerned about the future of the project and requests that UDOT not change the scope. However, if the scope is reduced to a rehab project in order to deal with the storm drain issues, then they would like UDOT to still address turn lanes, bike lanes, the bike path, and other improvements necessary to ensure the safety of the public. Moab City would also like UDOT to work with them on the Stewart Canyon project. Commissioner Wilson noted that this issue would be discussed in further detail later in the agenda. He then turned the time back to Chairman Holt.
UDOT SCOREBOARD
Kris Peterson from Project Development gave the report on UDOT’s safety program and the construction program.
PLANNING AND PROGRAMMING
Bill Lawrence, Program Finance Director, explained that this project was funded in 2007 with $10 million of HCP funds; however, the project was postponed when most of the money was transferred to the Colorado River Bridge project. In June of 2010, $9.315 million of additional Federal Obligation and region project savings was put back onto this project. In addition, Grand County received $600,000 of enhancement funds for a trail project along both sides of U.S. 191, but the original scope of the project had to be reduced to just one side of the roadway, as the funds are now inadequate to do both sides. Reducing the scope of the trail project and incorporating it into the roadway project would allow for appropriate pedestrian and bicycle movements without having to add additional sidewalks. The increased scope of the roadway project would include extending the current project north, from the Colorado River bridge to Potash Road (S.R. 279), widening of the Courthouse Wash bridge, and providing four lanes of traffic. It would all be done with the current funding.
Commissioner Wilson asked Nathan Lee, Region Four Director, to provide an overview of the history of this complex project. Mr. Lee noted that this situation in Moab has been going on for quite awhile. He talked in detail about the enhancement/trail project tied to the U.S. 191 project. He said they used the small amount of money that was previously left in the roadway project to work on finding a way to incorporate the trail project and still do highway capacity improvements. Mr. Lee then talked about the funding history and the drainage issues that need to be addressed. Rebecca Andrus provided additional information on the drainage situation, and noted that the drainage is naturally occurring. Mr. Lee said that was the very premise of the whole challenge in Moab. Commissioner Wilson made some comments and presented a motion for the Commission to consider:
Commissioner Wilson moved to leave the $9.315 million on the U.S. 191 project, with a scope of work that would include widening the roadway and the Courthouse Wash bridge to four lanes on U.S. 191 from Potash Road to the Colorado River Bridge (the S.R. 128 intersection). Then, pavement rehabilitation would be done on the section of U.S. 191 from S.R. 128 to 400 North in Moab, which would need to last until the drainage issues are taken care of, with the trail project included in this section as well. Also, that UDOT continue to work with Moab City and Grand County on the drainage issues and the Gateway plan. Commissioner Holbrook seconded the motion.
There was further discussion and comments made by the Commission and staff. Commissioner Wilson asked that Mr. Lee come back to the Commission next month, if possible, with a basic document showing what they intend to do with the project and some estimated costs. He also stated that everyone would have to work together to do whatever needed to be done before the next phase or final phase of the project could be completed, conditioned upon available funds. Commissioner Holbrook asked about putting parameters on the funds so there wouldn’t be increased funding. Carlos Braceras, Deputy Director, responded that they would like to have some flexibility with the funds so that any remaining funds after phase one is completed be left in there so the region can work with Moab City and Grand County to find a way to mesh the future concepts and goals of the Department, the city, and the county as much as possible. There would also likely need to be some engineering work done to figure out some of the drainage issues, etc.
Commissioner Lewis asked about funding of the future phase(s). Mr. Braceras said the Commission would have to consider that with all the other priorities around the state. Commissioner Wilson added that the project would have to go through the evaluation process, starting at the region level. There was additional discussion regarding the engineering of the trail and whether or not any changes would need to be made to it in the future. Mr. Lee stated that they have a plan with the city and the county to allow all the components, but there are a couple of challenges. However, for the most part, they should be able to build it, keep it, and have it function. Chairman Holt asked the Moab representatives to respond to the motion. Ms. Andrus commented that they appreciate Commissioner Wilson and his compromise to try and make this situation work. They just want to make sure the project is done right and not multiple times, wasting everyone’s money. There are also some safety concerns they would like to have addressed, but they would work with the region on those.
Chairman Holt called for the question on the motion. The motion was unanimously approved.
Bill Lawrence said that funding is available from older earmarks that require it to be listed on U.S. 89 from Farmington to Ogden. The U.S. 89 at I-84; MP 406.1 project is an intersection and signal improvement project that fits the definition of the earmark and has been approved for the use of the earmark funding by FHWA. Total funding for the project is $1,538,834, which includes the match.
Commissioner Barlow moved to approve adding the U.S. 89 at I-84; MP 406.1 project to the 2010 STIP. Commissioner Wilson seconded the motion and it was approved, with Chairman Holt absent for the vote.
Bill Lawrence explained that $1 million of administrative Federal Transit ARRA funds were applied for to hire a consulting firm to oversee the ARRA construction projects. It has been determined that the administrative funds needed is considerably lower than originally anticipated, so the proposal is to move ARRA administrative funds and make adjustments in the STIP to the following transit projects: 1) Maintenance & Storage Facility, Phase 1 – Park City Transit. 2) Intercity – Greyhound, Two Coaches. 3) Bus, GPS, Software, and MOB Management – Uintah Basin AOG. 4) Mobility Management Projects Statewide – UDOT Admin (change the name of this item to only read UDOT Admin). 5) Add to the STIP, “Operating Assistance to Rural Providers.”
Commissioner Barlow moved to approve the Transit Program funding adjustments as explained. Commissioner Lewis seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Bill Lawrence said that these projects are selected and administered through the Utah State Parks and Recreation Division. There are 32 projects totaling $1,768,079 of Federal Aid funds listed with FY 2010 funds.
Commissioner Lewis moved to approve adding the Utah Recreational Trails Program projects to the STIP as a single line item. Commissioner Barlow seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Bill Lawrence reported that in this past year, the bidding environment was very competitive resulting in projects with remaining balances to reprogram. Also, the federal program received additional obligation authority, which was not anticipated, resulting in the ability to move projects forward from 2011 and 2012 to 2010. The recommended funding priority being proposed would be to look at the delayed project list and apply funds there first, then look at UDOT’s four drivers: “Taking Care of What We Have, Improve Safety, Make the System Work Better, and Increase Capacity.” Carlos Braceras talked about the delayed list and what has been funded already. Andrew Jackson from MAG commented on the S.R. 73 and Geneva Road projects, and Mr. Braceras commented on the Geneva Road project and the S.R. 30 project in Logan.
REQUEST FOR USE OF CORRIDOR PRESERVATION FUNDS
Lyle McMillan, Right of Way Director, handed out a copy of ‘Corridor Preservation Budget & Obligations,’ and reviewed the status of the Corridor Preservation Revolving Fund balance. Chairman Holt asked that an additional component be added to the spreadsheet in the future showing how the balance gets added upon from projects paying back the revolving fund. Mr. McMillan showed a map of the Mountain View Corridor and the right of way purchase areas, highlighting the protected purchase area between 3500 South and 4700 South.
Lyle McMillan said this property is listed for sale, and would be a protective purchase by UDOT. It’s a beneficial purchasing environment and the owners would not be eligible for relocation benefits. The home was listed for $159,000, but has since been lowered to $150,000. The Advisory Council recommends approval of the purchase.
Commissioner Barlow moved to approve the purchase of the Claudia Baires property. Commissioner Holbrook seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Lyle McMillan said this is also a protective purchase. The property was listed for sale, but seller withdrew the listing and the property is currently tenant occupied. The appraised value of the property is $166,000 for 0.17 acres. The Advisory Council recommends approval of the purchase.
Commissioner Wilson moved to approve the purchase of the Jonathan Hunter property. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Barlow and unanimously approved.
Lyle McMillan said this is a bank owned property that is in foreclosure. The property was listed for sale for $155,000, and subsequently lowered to $109,000. UDOT’s appraised value supports the listing price. The Advisory Council recommends approval of the purchase.
Commissioner Barlow move to approve the US Bank owned property. Commissioner Lewis seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously.
Lyle McMillan referred to the very compelling letter from the couple in the Commission’s binders. He said they are an older couple with serious and long-term medical conditions. Purchase of this property would help alleviate their hardship. The estimated value of the property is $195,000 for 0.24 acres. The Advisory Council recommends approval of the purchase.
Commissioner Barlow moved to approve the purchase of the Alfred and Norma Matern property. Commissioner Lewis seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Lyle McMillan said this was a medical hardship as well, as the property owner, Mr. Archuletta, was injured, his medical benefits have expired, and he is about to lose his home. The appraised value of the home is $155,000 for 0.23 acres. The Advisory Committee recommends approval of the purchase.
Commissioner Barlow moved to approve the purchase of the Patrick and Michele Archuletta property. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Holbrook and approved unanimously.
Lyle McMillan said this is a financial hardship. Due to the property owners loss of employment and loss of income, the family is facing foreclosure. The appraised value of the property is $145,000 for 0.22 acres. The Advisory Council recommends approval of the purchase.
Commissioner Barlow moved to approve the purchase of the Chad Carter property. Commissioner Lewis seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Lyle McMillan said Mr. Elswood, the property owner, has not been able to secure steady employment, which has created a financial hardship. The appraised value is $167,000 for 0.24 acres. The Advisory Council recommends approval of the purchase.
Commissioner Barlow moved to approve the purchase of the John and Dorian Elswood property. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Lewis and unanimously approved.
FHWA Report
Chairman Holt moved this item up on the agenda. James Christian, Division Administrator for FHWA, distributed a handout and reported on the ARRA funds, which is winding down. He noted that Utah is 2nd on the list for expenditure rates. Mr. Christian noted that nationwide, the number of deaths on highways is at their lowest levels since the 1950’s. He also mentioned President Obama’s proposed $50 billion investment in transportation.
I-15 EXPRESS LANES UPDATE
Carlos Braceras distributed a handout and reported that a presentation was made to the Legislature yesterday regarding the HOV/Express Lanes. He then shared some of that information with the Commission. He said the goal is to provide a good level of service in the Express Lane. They have sold over 7200 transponders, but people are not using them as much as projected. He referred to the handout and reviewed the information in it. There was also discussion regarding compliance and violations in the Express Lanes.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
Commissioner Holbrook reported on the UTA Board. Commissioner Barlow said he missed the Corridor Preservation meeting last week due to extenuating circumstances. Commissioner Wilson gave a report on the CIB, and Commissioner Holt talked about the Ropeway Safety Committee.
The next regular Utah Transportation Commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 14, 2010, in Sandy, Utah. The following dates and locations have also been scheduled:
November 9, 2010 – Salt Lake CityDecember 9, 2010 – Salt Lake City
The meeting adjourned at 11:37 a.m.
The following Commissioners, staff members and others were in attendance:Jeffrey D. Holt, ChairmanJerry B. Lewis, Vice-ChairmanBevan K. Wilson, CommissionerMeghan Z. Holbrook, CommissionerWayne K. Barlow, CommissionerLeAnn G. Abegglen, Commission SecretaryCarlos M. Braceras, Deputy DirectorKris Peterson, Project DevelopmentLinda Hull, Director of Legislative and Gov’t AffairsAhmad Jaber, Systems Planning and Prog. DirectorBill Lawrence, Program Finance DirectorLyle McMillan, Right of Way DirectorDian McGuire, Right of WayNathan Lee, Region Four DirectorSteve Ogden, Price District EngineerKevin Kitchen, Region FourRick Torgerson, Region FourRobert Dowell, Region FourKim Manwill, Region FourJames Christian, FHWA Division AdministratorAndrew Jackson, MAGJoe Trenery, Ferron City CouncilBradley Giles, Castle Dale CitySusan Simmons, Clawson TownDavid Olsen, Moab CityRebecca Andrus, Moab CityDavid and Barbara Hanks, MoabLeslie Bolinder, Emery CountyCharles Winder, San Juan CountyCraig Johansen, Emery CountyLars Anderson, PECBob Clegg, URS Corp.Ron Clegg, PBRoger Sorenson, AECOMTricia Pilny, PsomasJohn Knudsen, Utah State Parks
