December 9, 2010
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 8:32 a.m. by Chairman Jeff Holt. He excused Commissioner McConkie from the meeting and welcomed those attending.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Holbrook moved to approve the minutes of the November 9, 2010, Commission meeting and UDOT/Commission Tour. Commissioner Millington seconded the motion. He pointed out a couple of name corrections that needed to be made to the tour minutes. The minutes were approved with the noted changes.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Chad Mullins, Salt Lake County Bicycle Advisory Committee, gave a PowerPoint presentation regarding the benefits of active transportation.
UDOT SCOREBOARD
Randy Park, Project Development Director gave the report on UDOT’s construction program, and Tracy Conti, Engineer for Operations, gave the report on the safety program.
UDOT’s KNOW WHERE KNOW WHY
Nile Easton, Communications Director, noted that since last month’s presentation, they have found a way to fund the Know Where Know Why campaign through July 1. They will develop a proposal to bring to the STIP workshop for funding beyond that date.
PLANNING AND PROGRAMMING
Bill Lawrence, Program Finance Director, said Region Three has been working with Orem City to partner on a storm drain project along 800 North in Orem, so it would be a good time for UDOT to add an additional eastbound lane from 980 West to 400 West. The additional lane will complete the seven-lane configuration of 800 North from I-15 to State Street. This section of 800 North is on the list of choke point projects and is a high priority for the region. Funding is available due to cost savings on several state funded projects, and $1.1 million would be transferred to this project, allowing the Region to move forward.
Commissioner Millington moved to approve adding the SR-52; 800 North from I-15 to 400 West project to the FY 2011-2016 STIP, and transferring $1.1 million to the project as well. Commissioner Barlow seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Commissioner Lewis asked Nathan Lee, Region Four Director, to comment on the S.R. 89; Kanab to S.R. 12 Junction project that is on the Chokepoint Project list for consideration, and the need to extend the passing lanes to reduce the danger there. Other discussion took place regarding other lists similar to the Chokepoint Project list, and the Chokepoint Project list and the need for further explanation/discussion at the STIP Workshop regarding the ranking process and the safety ratings.
Bill Lawrence said this is a request for a funding adjustment and scope modification to the I-15 Manderfield Bridge Replacement project. The Region would like to add $3.25 million to the project in order to replace the structures in both directions, rather than just the one direction as originally funded. BR_On/Off funds are available due to good bids.
Commissioner Lewis moved to add $3.25 million of BR_On/Off funds to the I-15; Manderfield Bridge Replacement project, and add the second bridge as requested. Commissioner Millington seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously.
Bill Lawrence explained that Region Four would like to combine the U.S. 89; MP 46 to Johnson Canyon project into the U.S. 89; Johnson Canyon to Kanab project. Adjustments would be made to the project funding years to provide a project next summer from MP 46 to Kanab, and the project would be funded for $15.5 million.
Commissioner Millington moved to approve combining the U.S. 89; MP 46 to Johnson Canyon project into the U.S. 89; Johnson Canyon to Kanab project, including an adjustment to the funding years, and amending the project scope to be U.S. 89; MP 46 to Kanab. Commissioner Lewis seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Bill Lawrence said this is a request to add the Lake Powell Ferry Maintenance and Docking Rehab project to the STIP. A $300,000 grant was received to fund the project. Commissioner Wilson asked for an update on the ferry. Director Njord and Nathan Lee both provided information on the ferry operations.
Commissioner Barlow moved to approve adding the Lake Powell Ferry Maintenance and Docking Rehab project to the FY 2011-2016 STIP. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Wilson and approved unanimously.
UPDATE ON DIXIE DRIVE INTERCHANGE
Nathan Lee gave an update on the Dixie Drive interchange. He discussed some of the challenges they are facing, including a tighter than preferred budget for the last two phases of the project and the timing of the golf course reconstruction. Mr. Lee said bids for the last two phases would be received later today at 2:00 p.m. He thought a 3.5% contingency should be adequate, barring some unforeseen circumstance. Eric Wells from WCC commented on the project and answered some technical questions asked by the Commission.
PROPERTY TRANSFER IN FARMINGTON CITY – INFORMATION ONLY
Jason Davis, Region One Director, explained that UDOT and Farmington City have had preliminary discussions regarding the possible jurisdictional transfer of a portion of S.R. 225 from the I-15 ramps, westerly to the end of the state route near the D&RGW rail right of way. A decision on the jurisdictional transfer wouldn’t be considered until a decision on alternatives for the West Davis Corridor EIS was made. Also, Farmington City is interested in a right of way exchange to allow for the realignment of Park Lane in coordination with development currently taking place in the area. Dave Peterson from Farmington City commented on the development taking place in the area. Mr. Davis said he would come back to the Commission in January or February with a recommendation.
MOUNTAIN VIEW CORRIDOR PROPERTY TRADE
Lyle McMillan distributed a handout and reviewed the current Corridor Preservation budget and obligations. He then explained that this MVC property trade is with the Butterfield family, with whom UDOT purchased property from in 2004. That property is no longer needed, as the Mountain View Corridor alignment has been shifted. Therefore, UDOT would like to exchange 19.23 acres with the Butterfields for 9.22 acres needed for the realigned Porter Rockwell Boulevard. The Butterfields would pay the $610,000 differential, making this an even trade.Commissioner Holbrook moved to approve the property trade with the Butterfields, as explained. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Millington and unanimously approved.
REQUEST FOR USE OF CORRIDOR PRESERVATION FUNDS
Lyle McMillan said this is a financial hardship request. The Izarraraz family has had difficulty meeting their mortgage payment since Mrs. Izarraraz was laid off of her job in 2008. The home is facing foreclosure and the listed price would be proposed to the bank for a short sale. This property is in the next phase of the MVC and all the homes in this circle are being purchased.
Commissioner Barlow moved to approve the purchase of the Adriana Izarraraz property. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Millington and unanimously approved.
Lyle McMillan said this is also a financial hardship request. The property, owned by Nancy Perkins, was listed for sale in July of 2010. But, having to disclose that the home is located within the MVC corridor has made it difficult to secure a buyer, creating a financial hardship. Ms. Perkins is requesting that UDOT purchase the property using the Revolving Fund.
Commissioner Barlow moved to approve the purchase of the Nancy Perkins property. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Wilson and unanimously approved.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS/CONDITIONS AND NEEDS REPORT
Robert Hull, Engineer for Traffic and Safety, gave a PowerPoint presentation that included information on traffic fatalities, fatality type, Utah’s Comprehensive Safety Plan, cable barriers, safety spot improvements, the lighting program, pedestrian (ADA) ramps, and the signal program. He concluded his presentation with their FY 2012 program funding requests. Director Njord reported that Mr. Hull received the prestigious Alfred E. Johnson Achievement Award at the recent AASHTO Annual Meeting for his efforts on the Zero Fatalities campaign and other areas of improved traffic safety in Utah.
Dave Kinnecom, Traffic Management Engineer at the Traffic Operations Center, gave a PowerPoint presentation on their FY 2010 accomplishments, including projects completed, ongoing projects, and performance measures. He also spoke about their funding needs, saying the state funding of $3 million per year is currently adequate for ITS expansion. Also, there has been a shift in the use of ITS funding from infrastructure to software systems projects.
UPDATE ON THE LONG RANGE PLAN
Michael Fazio from Systems Planning and Programming gave a PowerPoint presentation regarding UDOT’s Long Range Plan. He gave an overview of the planning process and a financial summary. He noted there are more needs than money available. He also said they hope to present the MPO’s draft RTP to the Commission in the January meeting.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
James Christian from FHWA, distributed a handout showing an update of ARRA obligations and expenditures and briefly discussed the information on it. He also gave an update on national legislation. He then presented an award to UDOT for it’s I-80 project – Four Bridges in 37 Hours – a national award for structures costing less than $10 million. Other discussion took place regarding Secretary LaHood’s visit to Utah and bridge moves.
There were no committee reports given.
The next regular Utah Transportation Commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 13, 2011, in Salt Lake City, Utah. The following dates and locations have also been scheduled:
February 16, 2011 – Salt Lake CityMarch 23-24, 2011 – St. GeorgeApril 20-21, 2011 – Salt Lake City
The meeting adjourned at 11:58 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, CommissionerLeAnn G. Abegglen, Commission SecretaryJohn R. Njord, Executive DirectorTracy Conti, Engineer for OperationsLinda Hull, Director of Legislative and Gov’t AffairsRandy Park, Project Development DirectorAhmad Jaber, Systems Planning and Prog. DirectorBill Lawrence, Program Finance DirectorBob Pelly, Systems Planning and ProgrammingNile Easton, Director of CommunicationsBecky Bradshaw, Finance DirectorLyle McMillan, Director of Right of WayDian McGuire, Right of WayTerri St. Armand, Right of WayDave Kinnecom, TOCRobert Hull, Traffic and SafetyMike Fazio, Systems Planning and ProgrammingEvelyn Tuddenham, Systems Planning and Prog.Teri Newell, MVC Project ManagerJason Davis, Region One DirectorCory Pope, Region Two DirectorDave Nazare, Region Three DirectorNathan Lee, Region Four DirectorBrad Humphreys, Region OneGeorge Lukes, Region TwoJames Christian, FHWAArlene Kocher, FHWADoug Hattery, WFRCAndrew Jackson, MAGShaun Seager, MAGDavid Petersen, Farmington CityTim Taylor, Farmington CityEd Cooper, Ash Grove CementRoger Sorenson, AECOMJen Hales, JacobsJessica Rice, URSRuss Youd, HorrocksTodd Steimer, Western CoalingBob Kinney, Wells FargoLisa Tuck, HDRLaynee Jones, LochnerRichard Miller, ParsonsTricia Pilny, PsomasBrett Hadley, Stanley ConsultantsShannon Bond, Stanley ConsultantsHG Kunzler, HW LochnerMatt Riffkin, InterPlanThomas McMurtry, InterPlanLee Davidson, SL TribuneEric Wells, WCCDavid Hurst, Wilbur Smith AssociatesJamie Evans, Evans Grader and PavingChad Mullins, SL County Bicycle Comm
