January 13, 2011
UTAH TRANSPORTATION COMMISSIONJanuary 13, 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 8:32 a.m. by Chairman Jeff Holt. He excused Commissioner Wilson from the meeting and welcomed those attending.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Lewis moved to approve the minutes of the December 9, 2010, Commission meeting. Commissioner Millington seconded the motion and the minutes were approved
PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no public comments at this time.
UDOT SCOREBOARD
Ahmad Jaber, Engineer for Operations, distributed a handout and gave a report on the safety program. Randy Park, Project Development Director, gave a report on UDOT’s construction program.
I-15 EXPRESS LANES UPDATE
Dave Kinnecom from the TOC distributed a handout and gave a presentation regarding the I-15 Express Lanes. He reviewed information from their Annual Operations Report (Aug. 23 to Dec. 31, 2010), and their Monthly Operations Report (Dec. 1 to 31, 2010).
PLANNING AND PROGRAMMING2011 STIP Amendment #4Region Three Requests – Three New Projects
Bill Lawrence, Program Finance Director, said Region Three has three projects they would like to add to the STIP using funds available from good bids received on projects in their current program. Mr. Lawrence referred to the information in the binder and said they are rehab projects, and are the region’s next highest priorities.Commissioner Millington moved to approve adding the three rehabilitation projects to the 2011-2016 STIP, as requested by Region Three. Commissioner Barlow seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Bill Lawrence, Program Finance Director, said Region Three has three projects they would like to add to the STIP using funds available from good bids received on projects in their current program. Mr. Lawrence referred to the information in the binder and said they are rehab projects, and are the region’s next highest priorities.
Commissioner Millington moved to approve adding the three rehabilitation projects to the 2011-2016 STIP, as requested by Region Three. Commissioner Barlow seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
10400 South; Bangerter Highway to Redwood Road Project – Funding Adjustment
Bill Lawrence explained that this project is in the process of being closed out. However, during the final voucher process, it was determined that the project had a shortfall. The amount needed to close out the project is $2.5 million. Region Two has enough funds available in the Region Efficiency Fund from good bids to cover the shortfall.
Commissioner Millington moved to add $2.5 million to the 10400 South; Bangerter Highway to Redwood Road project using $1.484,832 of STP_FLEX_ST and $1,015,168 of EQ_BONUS funds. Commissioner Barlow seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously.
JHC: Icy Springs Bridge, Coalville – Information Only
Bill Lawrence stated that the Joint Highway Committee would like to do an advance construct on the Icy Springs Bridge in Coalville project. Coalville City will use a loan from Summit County to move up construction from FY 2014 to FY 2011, and is aware of the risk they are taking if the current federal funding scenario were to change.
AeronauticsCapital Improvement Program – Amendment #4
Kirk Nielsen from Aeronautics presented Aeronautics’ Capital Improvement Program Amendment #4. He explained that Congress passed a measure in December that would extend FAA programs through March 2011. This latest short-term extension allows for continued collection of taxes and authorizes the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program. The previous extension did not give the FAA granting authority for the AIP. Many of the airports have requested changes to this year’s projects. The FAA has only been authorized to issue 50% of their yearly funds. It is anticipated that many, if not all, of the projects will have multiple grants this fiscal year. So, to simplify the approval process, Aeronautics is presenting federal projects to the Commission at 100% of the federal amount, knowing the projects may have multiple grants this fiscal year.Commissioner Holbrook moved for approval of Aeronautics’ Capital Improvement Program – Amendment #4. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Millington and unanimously approved.
Kirk Nielsen from Aeronautics presented Aeronautics’ Capital Improvement Program Amendment #4. He explained that Congress passed a measure in December that would extend FAA programs through March 2011. This latest short-term extension allows for continued collection of taxes and authorizes the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program. The previous extension did not give the FAA granting authority for the AIP. Many of the airports have requested changes to this year’s projects. The FAA has only been authorized to issue 50% of their yearly funds. It is anticipated that many, if not all, of the projects will have multiple grants this fiscal year. So, to simplify the approval process, Aeronautics is presenting federal projects to the Commission at 100% of the federal amount, knowing the projects may have multiple grants this fiscal year.
Commissioner Holbrook moved for approval of Aeronautics’ Capital Improvement Program – Amendment #4. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Millington and unanimously approved.
Capital Improvement Program – Amendment #5 – Information Only
Kirk Nielsen said that CIP Amendment #5 was for information only this month. They will ask for approval in next month’s meeting. He noted that each airport in the federal system of airports receives a yearly entitlement to help develop and maintain the airport. Many of the airports had planed on banking their entitlement funds, but now have submitted applications requesting their entitlement funds. Also, two state funded projects have been added to this year’s program, are high priority projects, and are being moved from the FY 2012 program.Chairman Holt asked for a brief update regarding the grand opening of the St. George Airport that took place yesterday. Commissioner McConkie, Commissioner Holbrook, Commissioner Lewis, and Director Njord all commented on the events they participated in at the grand opening.
Kirk Nielsen said that CIP Amendment #5 was for information only this month. They will ask for approval in next month’s meeting. He noted that each airport in the federal system of airports receives a yearly entitlement to help develop and maintain the airport. Many of the airports had planed on banking their entitlement funds, but now have submitted applications requesting their entitlement funds. Also, two state funded projects have been added to this year’s program, are high priority projects, and are being moved from the FY 2012 program.
Chairman Holt asked for a brief update regarding the grand opening of the St. George Airport that took place yesterday. Commissioner McConkie, Commissioner Holbrook, Commissioner Lewis, and Director Njord all commented on the events they participated in at the grand opening.
ADMINISTRATIVE RULER-933-1 Right of Way Acquisition
Linda Hull, Legislative and Government Affairs Director, reviewed the Right of Way Acquisition Administrative Rule, as required by statute. She reported that the Right of Way Division is updating its administrative rules to comply with a recent statutory change. The rule allows UDOT to choose not to obtain an appraisal for land purchases, sales, or exchanges for properties whose value is under a specific threshold. The rule harmonizes with UDOT’s obligations to obtain appraisals on all land transactions using federal aid funds.
REQUEST FOR USE OF CORRIDOR PRESERVATION FUNDSLeighAnn Woodman – Mountain View Corridor
James Olschewski, Right of Way Deputy Director, distributed and reviewed a copy of the Corridor Preservation Budget and Obligations. He then said this first request is unique in that the property owner, LeighAnn Woodman, must sell her home as per a court order in her divorce decree. She feels it would be extremely difficult to sell with the acquisitions and project demolitions currentlygoing on in her area. The appraised value of the property is $138,000 for .24 acres. The Advisory Council recommends approval of the purchase.Commissioner Barlow moved to approve the purchase of the LeighAnn Woodman property. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Millington and unanimously approved.
James Olschewski, Right of Way Deputy Director, distributed and reviewed a copy of the Corridor Preservation Budget and Obligations. He then said this first request is unique in that the property owner, LeighAnn Woodman, must sell her home as per a court order in her divorce decree. She feels it would be extremely difficult to sell with the acquisitions and project demolitions currentlygoing on in her area. The appraised value of the property is $138,000 for .24 acres. The Advisory Council recommends approval of the purchase.
Commissioner Barlow moved to approve the purchase of the LeighAnn Woodman property. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Millington and unanimously approved.
Javier Carbajal – Mountain View Corridor
James Olschewski said this is a financial hardship request, as the property owner, Javier Carbajal, is unemployed and unable to make his house payment. The appraised value of the property is $140,000 for .19 acres. UDOT will pursue a short sale with the bank, if approved. The Advisory Council recommends approval of the purchase.Commissioner Millington moved to approve the purchase of the Javier Carbajal property. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Barlow and unanimously approved.
James Olschewski said this is a financial hardship request, as the property owner, Javier Carbajal, is unemployed and unable to make his house payment. The appraised value of the property is $140,000 for .19 acres. UDOT will pursue a short sale with the bank, if approved. The Advisory Council recommends approval of the purchase.
Commissioner Millington moved to approve the purchase of the Javier Carbajal property. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Barlow and unanimously approved.
Coleen Paxton – Mountain View Corridor
James Olschewski said that this home is currently for sale by the property owner, Coleen Paxton, and it would be advantageous for UDOT to purchase the property. The appraised value of the property is $130,000 for .23 acres. The Advisory Council recommends approval of the purchase.
Commissioner Barlow moved to approve the purchase of the Coleen Paxton property. Commissioner Millington seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Enrique Almaraz – Mountain View Corridor
James Olschewski noted that the homeowner, Enrique Almaraz, works out of state and needs to sell the property, but feels that he wouldn’t be able to secure a buyer because of the corridor. The appraised value of the property is $175,000 for .24 acres. The Advisory Council recommends approval of the purchase.Commissioner Millington moved to approve the purchase of the Enrique Almaraz property. Commissioner Barlow seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
James Olschewski noted that the homeowner, Enrique Almaraz, works out of state and needs to sell the property, but feels that he wouldn’t be able to secure a buyer because of the corridor. The appraised value of the property is $175,000 for .24 acres. The Advisory Council recommends approval of the purchase.
Commissioner Millington moved to approve the purchase of the Enrique Almaraz property. Commissioner Barlow seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Justin Galbraith – Mountain View Corridor
James Olschewski said that the property owner, Justin Galbraith, works in southern Utah and is trying to relocate there. He would like to sell his home, but feels he would be unable to secure a buyer because of the corridor. The appraised value of the property is $170,000 for .45 acres. The Advisory Council recommends approval of the purchase.Commissioner Barlow moved to approve the purchase of the Justin Galbraith property. Commissioner Millington seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
James Olschewski said that the property owner, Justin Galbraith, works in southern Utah and is trying to relocate there. He would like to sell his home, but feels he would be unable to secure a buyer because of the corridor. The appraised value of the property is $170,000 for .45 acres. The Advisory Council recommends approval of the purchase.
Commissioner Barlow moved to approve the purchase of the Justin Galbraith property. Commissioner Millington seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Adriana Montes DeOca & Oswaldo Gomez – Mountain View Corridor
James Olschewski said that this property is owned by a brother and sister, Adriana Montes DeOca and Olwaldo Gomez. Mr. Gomes recently got married and moved out, and Ms. DeOca is unemployed, creating a financial hardship. The appraised value of the property is $155,000 for .18 acres. UDOT would be working with the lender to negotiate a short sale. The Advisory Council recommends approval of the purchase.Commissioner Millington moved to approve the purchase of the Adriana Montes DeOca & Oswaldo Gomez property. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Barlow and unanimously approved.
James Olschewski said that this property is owned by a brother and sister, Adriana Montes DeOca and Olwaldo Gomez. Mr. Gomes recently got married and moved out, and Ms. DeOca is unemployed, creating a financial hardship. The appraised value of the property is $155,000 for .18 acres. UDOT would be working with the lender to negotiate a short sale. The Advisory Council recommends approval of the purchase.
Commissioner Millington moved to approve the purchase of the Adriana Montes DeOca & Oswaldo Gomez property. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Barlow and unanimously approved.
WEST DAVIS CORRIDOR EIS UPDATE
Randy Jefferies from Region One gave an update on the West Davis Corridor EIS. Using a PowerPoint presentation, he explained what has been done during the last year on the EIS, as alternatives were developed that could meet the transportation needs in Davis and Weber Counties out to the year 2040. They are now in the process of screening those alternatives to determine which best meet the transportation need while minimizing impacts. They will then finish the Level 2 screening and hold several public open houses. Commissioner Millington commented that once the feedback from the public is received from the open houses, the Commission would like another update on the public comments received and which alternatives are being considered.
MPO REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE
Andrew Gruber from Wasatch Front Regional Council started the presentation by talking about the development of the Regional Transportation Plan and the process that all four Metropolitan Planning Organizations in the state go through. He noted that Utah is the only state in the country that consolidates the MPO’s and the State’s plans into one unified plan. Doug Hattery from WFRC distributed a handout and talked in more detail about their plan process, and where they are in the process currently. He said they would put their draft plan out for public comment in February/March, in conjunction with UDOT and the other MPO’s, and hope to adopt their plan in May. Shaun Seager from Mountainland Association of Governments also distributed a handout and reviewed the information on the handout. He said their schedule is similar to WFRC’s, as they would put their plan out for public comment in March, and approve a final version in June.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS/CONDITIONS AND NEEDS REPORTAsset Management
Stan Burns, Director of Asset Management, gave a PowerPoint presentation on bridge and pavement preservation funding needs. He talked about the Construction Cost Index, the current health of the bridge system and funding needs, and the current health of the pavement system and the funding needs of the three tiers of pavement maintenance management.
New Bridge Structures Program
Carmen Swanwick, Chief Structural Engineer, talked about six new programs that are being considered to help minimize Department risk and meet Federal requirements. She reviewed the following programs: Bridge Load Rating, Bridge Inspection, Bridge Unknown Foundations, Bridge Scour, Retaining Wall, and Rockfall Hazard Reduction.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMSFHWA Report
James Christian from FHWA distributed a handout showing an update of ARRA obligations and expenditures and reviewed information on it. He also talked about Reauthorization and noted that they have an extension that runs through March. He presented an award to UDOT for Exemplary Human Environment Initiative for the Mountain View Corridor Environmental Impact Statement. It is in recognition of outstanding commitment to improving the human and natural environment.
Commission Committee Reports
Commissioner Holbrook reported on the UTA Board, and the issues/decisions they are facing.
Upcoming Transportation Commission Meetings
The next regular Utah Transportation Commission meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 16, 2011, in Salt Lake City, Utah. The dates of the April Workshop and Commission meeting were discussed and changed to April 13-14, 2011, due to a conflict. The schedule for the rest of the year was discussed, and dates and tentative locations were scheduled as follows:March 23-24, 2011 – St. GeorgeApril 13-14, 2011 – Salt Lake City (New dates)May 11-12, 2011 – Northern Utah CountyJune 8-9, 2011 – LoganJuly 2011 – No meetings scheduledAugust 10-11, 2011 – Salt Lake CountySeptember 14-15, 2011 – Davis CountyOctober 11-12, 2011 – Southern Utah CountyNovember 9-10, 2011 – MoabDecember 8, 2011 – Salt Lake City
The next regular Utah Transportation Commission meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 16, 2011, in Salt Lake City, Utah. The dates of the April Workshop and Commission meeting were discussed and changed to April 13-14, 2011, due to a conflict. The schedule for the rest of the year was discussed, and dates and tentative locations were scheduled as follows:
March 23-24, 2011 – St. GeorgeApril 13-14, 2011 – Salt Lake City (New dates)May 11-12, 2011 – Northern Utah CountyJune 8-9, 2011 – LoganJuly 2011 – No meetings scheduledAugust 10-11, 2011 – Salt Lake CountySeptember 14-15, 2011 – Davis CountyOctober 11-12, 2011 – Southern Utah CountyNovember 9-10, 2011 – MoabDecember 8, 2011 – Salt Lake City
The meeting adjourned at 11:22 a.m.
The following Commissioners, staff members and others were in attendance:
Jeffrey D. Holt, ChairmanJerry B. Lewis, Vice-ChairmanJ. Kent Millington, CommissionerMeghan Z. Holbrook, CommissionerWayne K. Barlow, CommissionerDannie R. McConkie, CommissionerLeAnn G. Abegglen, Commission SecretaryJohn R. Njord, Executive DirectorLinda Hull, Director of Legislative and Gov’t AffairsRandy Park, Project Development DirectorCarmen Swanwick, Project DevelopmentAhmad Jaber, Engineer for OperationsCory Pope, Systems Planning and Prog. DirectorBill Lawrence, Program Finance DirectorBob Pelly, Systems Planning and ProgrammingStan Burns, Systems Planning and ProgrammingNile Easton, Director of CommunicationsTania Mashburn, Community RelationsBecky Bradshaw, Finance DirectorJames Olschewski, ROW Deputy DirectorDian McGuire, Right of WayDave Kinnecom, TOCKirk Nielsen, AeronauticsKris Peterson, Region One DirectorRandy Jefferies, Region OneBrad Humphreys, Region OneJason Davis, Region Two DirectorTim Rose, Region TwoAdan Carrillo, Region TwoGeorge Lukes, Region TwoShane Marshall, Region Three DirectorJames Christian, FHWAAndrew Gruber, WFRCDoug Hattery, WFRCShaun Seager, MAGMichael Lasko, Ch2MHILLRichard Miller, ParsonsMichael Oldroyd, HMMRon Clegg, PBMitch Shaw, Standard ExaminerJulie Dillard, PBS&JJamie Reckinger, PBS&JLisa Tuck, HDREd Cooper, Ash Grove CementMatt Seal, HMMMike Worrall, JUBDan Nelson, Civil ScienceAmber Cypers, LochnerKevin Kilpatrick, HDRAlex Beseris, JRSAnn Jensen, Stanley ConsultantsTricia Pilny, PsomasChad Mullins, SL County Bicycle CommMichael Smith, ACECMerlynn Anderson, Wilson and Co.Tyler Yorgason, JacobsCarri Hulet, Langdon GroupBrett Hadley, Stanley ConsultantsTracy Parkinson, AMEC Earth & Environmental
