April 14, 2011
The regular meeting of the Utah Transportation Commission, held at the UDOT Rampton Complex – Admin Conference Room B, 4501 South 2700 West, Salt Lake City, Utah, was called to order at 8:34 a.m. by Chairman Jeff Holt. He welcomed those attending.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Barlow moved to approve the minutes of the March 23, 2011, UDOT/Commission tour and Staff Update meeting, and the March 24, 2011, Commission meeting. Commissioner Lewis seconded the motion and the minutes were approved
PUBLIC COMMENT
Nicole Christensen from Rep. Matheson’s local office introduced herself and said she is Representative Matheson’s contact in the Salt Lake City area.
UDOT SCOREBOARD
Ahmad Jaber, Engineer for Operations, gave a report on the safety program. Randy Park, Project Development Director, gave a report on UDOT’s construction program.
PLANNING AND PROGRAMMING
Bill Lawrence said that Region One would like to add the I-84; Mountain Green to Morgan project to the STIP. Due to significant deterioration, the section of roadway from MP 92 to MP 103 EB and WB has escalated to a major rehabilitation project. The amount to complete the work is $30 million, of which $8 million would come from IM funds from Region One’s de-obligation fund; the remaining amount would be obtained by advancing State dollars that would be reimbursed with federal FY 2013 funds.
Commissioner Barlow moved to approve adding the I-84; Mountain Green to Morgan project to the STIP as a new project. Commissioner McConkie seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Bill Lawrence said that Region Two would be constructing climbing lanes from Lambs Canyon to Parley’s Summit on I-80 this summer. There is also a need to fund a preservation treatment on I-80 from Lambs Canyon to Kimball’s Junction using $1 million of IM funds from the region’s de-obligation account. The region would like to include the preservation project with the climbing lanes project, which would help lessen the disruption of traffic, capitalize on economy of scale by combining projects, and complete a necessary treatment to extend the pavement life.
Commissioner Holbrook moved to approve adding the I-80 Preservation Project in Lambs Canyon to the I-80 project at Parley’s Summit in Parley’s Canyon, and add $1 million to complete the preservation project. Commissioner Millington seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously.
Bill Lawrence referred to the list of Washington County Emergency Relief projects and funding amounts in the binders, and said they are requesting approval to add the sixteen projects to the STIP.
Commissioner Lewis moved to approve the addition of the sixteen Federal Relief Projects to the STIP. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Wilson and unanimously approved.
Bill Lawrence said the Dixie MPO is requesting to move $50,000 of STP_FLX_DMPO funds from the I-15; MP 8 Study to the Dixie MPO CPG Fund. With the remaining balance of $205,946 they would like to create a new project titled ‘Feasibility Study, Washington Parkway.’ The new project is listed in the unfunded section of the DMPO’s 2007-2035 long-range plan; it’s also listed in Phase 1 of UDOT’s 2010-2040 long-range plan.
Commissioner Lewis moved to approve the transfer of $50,000 of STP_FLX_DMPO funds from the I-15; MP 8 Study to the Dixie MPO CPG Fund, with the balance of funds added to the Feasibility Study, Washington Parkway project. Commissioner Millington seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Bill Lawrence said this item was brought to the Commission last month for information. They are seeking approval today of a SIB loan to Washington City. There is one change that has been made from last month’s discussion. On the fact sheet, the total # of periods has been changed from 5 to 4, which in turn changes the interest amount a bit.
Commissioner Lewis moved to approve the SIB loan request from Washington City. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Barlow and unanimously approved.
Bill Lawrence said that Cedar City has made a request to use the Federal Funds Exchange Program to advance the Cove View Drive project in Cedar City. He noted a change to be made to the dollar amount on the fact sheet. The exchange would be only for federal dollars of $1 million; the exchange would be $850,000. Region Four has identified a project in Hurricane on SR-59 that could use this funding, making an exchange possible.
Commissioner Wilson moved to approve the Federal for State funds exchange for the Cove View Drive project in Cedar City and the SR-59 project in Hurricane, as explained. Commissioner Lewis seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously.
Bill Lawrence said that this project is located in Garfield County, between the Wayne and Garfield County line, and southerly to the Capital Reef National Park boundary. Garfield County is requesting use of the Federal Funds Exchange Program for the remaining phase of the project. He noted a change to be made on the fact sheet. The exchange amount would be $2 million, with an exchange rate of $1.7 million, not $1.823 million. Region Four has several projects that could use the funding, making the exchange possible. Brian Bremner, from Garfield County, responded to Director Njord’s request to share how this exchange is an advantage to the county.
Commissioner Wilson moved to approve the Federal for State funds exchange for the Notom Road Project in Garfield County as explained. Commissioner Barlow seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Bill Lawrence explained that the scope of a pavement rehabilitation project is limited to addressing only pavement surface. The current Purple Book project list contains projects with scopes that are beyond the intent of the program. The list of projects in the binders has the projects highlighted that are beyond the limits allowed in the Purple Book program, and need to be removed and added to the STIP individually.
Commissioner Barlow moved to approve the updated Pavement Rehabilitation list, with the highlighted projects to be removed from the Purple Book program and listed individually in the STIP. Commissioner Millington seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Bill Lawrence said that Region Two is seeking approval to bid an Orange Book project in excess of the $3 million threshold. The project, I-215; 300 East to Redwood Road, is estimated to cost $2.5 million for each direction, separately. The region would like to capitalize on economy of scale and do both directions in one project, which is anticipated to cost about $4.3 million. The eastbound direction is currently funded with $1.6 million of IM funds in 2011; the westbound direction is proposed to be included in the 2011 Preservation program, with an additional $2.7 million of IM funding being requested for this project.
Commissioner Holbrook moved to approve the I-215; 300 East to Redwood Road project, as requested. Commissioner Millington seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously.
Bill Lawrence distributed a handout and said this is a request from WFRC to add a new project to the STIP. The project, the Salt Lake City Downtown Streetcar Alternatives Analysis Project, will explore alignments and operation concepts for a streetcar in downtown SLC. The funding source is from a grant received from the Alternatives Analysis Program in the amount of $470,000. Salt Lake City will be responsible for matching funds of $126,457. The Regional Council approved the project in their March 24th meeting. Doug Hattery from WFRC provided additional information regarding the project. Commissioner Holbrook said she would like to have a briefing on this issue in a future Commission meeting. Commissioner Millington stated that he is opposed to this kind of public transportation in an area where people live horizontally instead of vertically. It’s not a good use of taxpayer’s funds.
Commissioner Holbrook moved to approve adding the Salt Lake City Downtown Streetcar Alternatives Analysis project to the STIP; Commissioner Lewis seconded the motion. The motion passed, with opposing votes by Commissioner Millington and Commissioner Barlow.
SR-73 JURISDICTIONAL TRANSFERS
Shane Marshall, Region Three Director, said there are two state facilities in Utah County to be transferred – SR-197 will be transferred to Lehi City, and portions of SR-73 would be transferred to Lehi City and Saratoga Springs. UDOT would retain a small portion of SR-73. The resolution specifies that UDOT will give funding to Lehi City and Saratoga Springs for roadway improvements, and maintenance and pavement preservation on SR-73 and SR-197. There are also agreements for maintenance of traffic signals and snow removal by UDOT for a period of time. Mr. Marshall said he has verbal agreements with the cities and is currently working on getting the cooperative agreements signed.
Commissioner Millington moved to approve the resolution for the jurisdictional transfer of a portion of SR-73 to Lehi City and Saratoga Springs, and the jurisdictional transfer of SR-197 to Lehi City, pending the execution of the cooperative agreements between UDOT, Lehi City and Saratoga Springs. Commissioner Holbrook seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
ADMINISTRATIVE RULE REVIEW
Ahmad Jaber, Operations Engineer, said this rule is for review only. He explained that state law establishes the maximum dollar amount for construction or improvement projects that can be performed with state forces. The same law also directs UDOT to write an Administrative Rule to establish a procedure for hearing evidence that one of the regions violated that law, and for administering sanctions against a region found to be in violation. This is the rule that UDOT has drafted in response to that statutory requirement.
REQUEST FOR USE OF CORRIDOR PRESERVATION FUNDS
Carlos Braceras, Deputy Director, said this single-family residence is owned and occupied by Judith Lawson in the Mountain View Corridor’s future extension, and is a medical and financial hardship. Due to the recent death of her husband, Mrs. Lawson is unable to take care of her home alone. The appraised value is $220,000. The Advisory Council has reviewed the request and recommends approval.
Commissioner Barlow moved to approve the purchase of the Judith Lawson property. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Millington and unanimously approved.
Lyle McMillan, Director of Right of Way, said that this property is also in the Mountain View Corridor and is a hardship request. The property owners, DJ and Brenda Burton, have four children and have outgrown their home. The home was listed in January, but they have not been successful in securing a buyer because of the MVC. They have also tried to rent out the home, with no success. The appraised value is $155,000. The Advisory Council has reviewed this request and recommends approval.
Commissioner Millington moved to approve the purchase of the DJ and Brenda Burton property. Commissioner Wilson seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
PROPERTY TRADE WITH ODYSSEUS LAND, LC
Lyle McMillan said they are requesting approval to do a property exchange. UDOT needs 1,073 square feet from Odysseus Land, LC for the purpose of building the I-15/American Fork Main Street interchange. UDOT owns 1,073 square feet of property adjacent to Odysseus on the west side of the Odysseus parking area that is not needed for a transportation use. UDOT would like to exchange these properties, which would help Odysseus preserve their parking area.
Commissioner Barlow moved to approve the property exchange with Odysseus Land, LC. Commissioner Millington seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
SOUTHEASTERN PORT OF ENTRY OPERATIONS
Rick Clasby, Director of Motor Carriers, explained the situation at the Loma Port of Entry. He said UDOT has had a joint operating agreement with the State of Colorado for several years, but there has been a significant change to the operations there. UDOT has discontinued the joint operating agreement with Colorado, due to some challenges regarding safety inspections and enforcement. To facilitate the changes, they propose to boost the division’s capabilities at the Monticello POE with staff and technology enhancement, improve operations on Highway 6 and Highway 10 by adding staff and technology at the Peerless POE and the Roto Flats location, and to begin preparations for the inclusion of the Thompson Springs area of I-70 as a functioning POE operation. There was additional discussion regarding the changes and how it will affect the employees.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
James Christian from FHWA distributed a handout showing an update of ARRA obligations and expenditures, highlighting where Utah is on the list. There was additional discussion regarding the ARRA funding. Other discussion took place regarding SAFETEA-LU, as well.
Commissioner Millington talked about the Corridor Preservation Advisory Committee, Commissioner McConkie noted that TransCom will meet next Thursday, and Commissioner Holbrook said she missed the last UTA Board meeting.
The next regular Utah Transportation Commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 12, 2011, in Highland, Utah. The following dates and locations have also been scheduled:
June 8-9, 2011 – LoganJuly 2011 – No meetings scheduledAugust 10-11, 2011 – RivertonSeptember 14-15, 2011 – FarmingtonOctober 11-12, 2011 – Southern Utah CountyNovember 9-10, 2011 – MoabDecember 8, 2011 – Salt Lake City
The meeting adjourned at 10:14 a.m.
The following Commissioners, staff members and others were in attendance:Jeffrey D. Holt, ChairmanJerry B. Lewis, Vice-ChairmanBevan K. Wilson, CommissionerJ. Kent Millington, CommissionerMeghan Z. Holbrook, CommissionerWayne K. Barlow, CommissionerDannie R. McConkie, CommissionerLeAnn G. Abegglen, Commission SecretaryJohn R. Njord, Executive DirectorCarlos Braceras, Deputy DirectorRandy Park, Project Development DirectorAhmad Jaber, Engineer for OperationsCory Pope, Director of Systems Planning and Prog.Bill Lawrence, Program Finance DirectorBob Pelly, Systems Planning and ProgrammingMaryAnn Wayman, Systems Planning and Prog.Jenneth Hampton, Systems Planning and Prog.Nile Easton, Director of CommunicationsTania Mashburn, Communications OfficeLinda Hull, Legislative and Gov’t Affairs DirectorBecky Bradshaw, Finance DirectorLyle McMillan, Director of Right of WayDian McGuire, Right of WayRick Clasby, Director of Motor CarriersKris Peterson, Region One DirectorJason Davis, Region Two DirectorTim Rose, Region Two Deputy DirectorGeorge Lukes, Region TwoNathan Lee, Region Four DirectorRick Torgersen, Region FourJames Christian, FHWAArlene Kocher, FHWADoug Hattery, WFRCShaun Seager, MAGMyron Lee, DMPOCurt Hutchings, DMPOBrian Bremner, Garfield CountyMike Shaw, Washington CityMichael Lasko, CH2M HILLRichard Miller, ParsonsJoe Woolley, WW ClydeRon Clegg, PBLee Davidson, SL TribuneAndrew Gemperline, Jacobs EngineeringBryan Morse, AMECTracy Parkinson, AMECLisa Tuck, HDRAlex Barnum, Wilbur Smith AssociatesNicole Christensen, Rep. Matheson’s OfficeShannon Bond, Stanley ConsultantsTracy Conti, HorrocksH.G. Kunzler, HW LochnerMatt Riffkin, InterPlanFrank J. Verucchi, Jr., Meridian EngineeringBrett Hadley, Stanley ConsultantsEd Cooper, Ash Grove CementJamie Evans, Evans Grader and Paving
