APPROVAL OF MINUTES

       Commissioner Barlow moved to approve the minutes of the September 12, 2013, Commission tour and Staff Update meeting, and the September 13, 2013, Commission meeting.  Commissioner Zeenati seconded the motion, and the minutes were approved.  

LOCAL AREA PRESENTATION BY REGION ONE

        Rick Torgerson, Region Four Director, welcomed everyone to Moab and then turned the time over to Monte Aldridge, Daryl Friant, and Robert Dowell for presentations on planning and studies, recent and upcoming construction projects in Grand and San Juan Counties, and safety projects in the area. 

 PUBLIC COMMENT

       Introductions were made of the Commissioners, UDOT staff, elected officials and others who were attending.  Representative Johnny Anderson made brief comments about area roads and the wonderful job UDOT is doing.  He said the legislature also appreciates what UDOT is doing, especially when projects come in under budget.  Bruce Adams, San Juan County Commissioner, also noted what a great job UDOT and the Commission is doing.  He talked about US-6 and US-191, and brought up some issues on SR-95, and US-163.  Lynn Jackson from the Grand County Council echoed Commissioner Adams’ comments.  He stated that US-191 from I-70 through Grand County is a major road with recreation and commercial traffic.  One of the last chokepoints is north of Moab and they would like to see double lanes all the way to the bridge.

       Rebecca Andrus, Moab City Engineer, thanked the Commission for coming to Moab.  She expressed appreciation for the Region Four maintenance staff and talked about the Main Street construction project.  She also mentioned that Moab and Grand County was recently designated as a bicycle friendly community.  Mayor Dave Erley from the town of Castle Valley thanked UDOT for their work on US-6 and US-191, as well as SR-128, as it’s the life blood of their community.  He also mentioned the new traffic light at the intersection of SR-128 and US-191, and expressed concern regarding the federal government shut down and the effect it might have on federal funds for the bike path.

UDOT SCOREBOARD

        Jason Davis, Engineer for Operations, gave the report for the Safety program and the Construction program. 

PLANNING AND PROGRAMMING
2014 STIP Amendment #1
Programming Funding Adjustments at Award

        Bill Lawrence, Program Finance Director, reviewed the one project being proposed for funding adjustments at award due to a good bid received and being awarded below the engineer’s estimate.

                  Commissioner Millington moved to approve the transfer of funding as detailed in the ‘Projects Returning Funds at Award’ list. Commissioner Barlow seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.

Programming Funding Adjustments at Post Construction

        Bill Lawrence reviewed the list of projects being proposed for funding adjustments at post construction.  The projects have reached construction complete, are beginning the closeout process, and have funding balances available to remove and reprogram. 

Commissioner Zeenati moved to approve the transfer of funding as detailed in the ‘Projects that have Reached Post Construction Phase and Returning Funds’ list. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Millington and unanimously approved. 

SR-9; Arch Bridge to 500 North in LaVerkin – New Project

        Bill Lawrence said Region Four is requesting approval to fund a new major rehabilitation project using current de-obligation funds for the SR-9; Arch Bridge to 500 North in LaVerkin project, which is the region’s highest priority major rehab project.  Director Braceras asked that the available balance of each region’s de-obligation fund be brought to the Commission each time there’s a request made to use those funds. 

Commissioner Zeenati moved to approve adding the SR-9; Arch Bridge to 500 North in LaVerkin project to the 2014-2019 STIP.  Commissioner Barlow seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. 

Federal Lands Access Program Projects – Add to STIP

        Bill Lawrence explained that MAP-21 created a program called the Federal Lands Access Program, whose goal is to improve transportation facilities that provide access to, are adjacent to, or are located within Federal lands.  The Access Program supplements State and local resources for public roads, transit systems, and other transportation facilities, with an emphasis on high-use recreation sites and economic generators.  The Programming Decisions Committee is responsible for prioritizing the program of projects for each state’s Access Program, and available funding is currently just over $10.7 million per year.  Mr. Lawrence reviewed the seven projects that were selected to be added to the STIP. 

Commissioner Cox moved for approval to add the Federal Lands Access Program projects to the STIP.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Barlow and unanimously approved.

Federal Funding Exchange Program in Region One

        Bill Lawrence said Region One is requesting a multiple project Federal/State funds exchange with Hooper, Clinton, West Point, Syracuse, and Ogden, at an 85% exchange rate.  The total request of the exchange with Region One is $20,319,000 in Federal Aid Funding.  In exchange, those cities would receive $17,271,150 of Region One’s State Transportation Investment Funding from the I-15; South Davis Operational Upgrades project.  The cities would also supply the required 10% match.  The region would then fund the I-15; South Davis Operational Upgrades project with the federal funds, increasing the project’s value by $3,047,850.  Mr. Lawrence noted that this approval would be contingent upon TransCom’s approval at their meeting on November 21st.  There was additional discussion regarding the I-15; South Davis Operational Upgrades project.  

Commissioner Barlow moved to approve the exchange of State and Federal funds between Region One and Hooper, Clinton, West Point, Syracuse and Ogden.  Commissioner McConkie seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.

ADMINISTRATIVE RULE REVIEW
R907-1-6 Administrative Procedures for Motor Carrier Actions

        Linda Hull, Director of Policy and Legislative Services, reviewed R907-1-6 Administrative Procedures for Motor Carrier Actions.  As part of formal adjudicative proceedings for Motor Carrier Actions, the rule designates the hearing officer as the UDOT Executive Director to make the proceedings consistent with SB 191, Administrative Law Judge Amendments adopted in the 2013 General Session.  

R926-11 Clean Fuel Vehicle Decal Program

        Linda Hull reviewed R926-11 Clean Fuel Vehicle Decal Program, which needs to be amended to incorporate changes made to Sections 41-6a-702 and 72-6-121 by HB 23 in the 2013 General Session.  The proposed rule change includes limiting the number of clean fuel vehicle decals UDOT may issue to 6,000 and allowing the Department to increase the number of clean fuel vehicle decals issued to eligible applicants if the issuance allows the Department to continue to meet its goals for operational management of the high occupancy vehicle lanes, and making other technical changes.

R926-14 Utah Scenic Byway Program Administration; Scenic Byways Designation, Re-designation, and Segmentation Processes

        Bill Lawrence reviewed R926-14 Utah Scenic Byway Program Administration; Scenic Byway Designation, Re-designation, and Segmentation Processes.  During the review process, it was found that the current rule was not consistent with Utah State Code 72-4-303.  The proposed change designates that it is the “local legislative body” that has the right to segment a scenic byway, bringing the rule in line with State Code.  Other updates include changing to a non-prescriptive meeting frequency, and changing from the use of the word “governmental” to “legislative” body throughout the rule, also bringing it in line with State Code. 

R930-6 Access Management

        Lyle McMillan, Director of Right of Way, reviewed R930-6 Access Management.  The Department is in the process of revising R930-6 through repeal and reenactment, to provide the necessary update, improve clarity, increase program transparency, and reduce operational conflicts.  The purpose of the revision is to convert the rule from a manual format to a rule format, eliminate references to utility accommodations which are not addressed in R930-7, eliminate references to telecommunication facilities which are governed by R907-64 and R930-7, incorporate controlled access requirements addressed in R933-3, incorporate mailbox requirements addressed in R930-1, and add a new access category for freeway one-way frontage roads.

REQUEST FOR USE OF CORRIDOR PRESERVATION FUNDS
Robert Law – West Davis Corridor

        Lyle McMillan distributed a handout of the Marda Dillree Corridor Preservation Budget and Obligations and reviewed the information contained in it. 

        The first request reviewed by Mr. McMillan was the Robert Law property located within the West Davis Corridor in Syracuse.  The vacant land consists of approximately 2.35 acres and is zoned highway commercial.  Mr. Law has a detailed site plan for a gas station/C-store and has started the approval process with Syracuse City.  The land has appraised for $920,000.  The CP Advisory Council has reviewed this request and recommends approval.  As a result of additional discussion, Director Braceras asked that the High Priority Corridor list be brought back next month to see if it needs to be updated. 

Commissioner Barlow moved to approve the purchase of the Robert Law property.  Commissioner Zeenati seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.

LeRoy Elkert & Mike Longley – SR-9 Corridor

        Lyle McMillan said this property is on SR-9 in Hurricane and owned by LeRoy Elkert and Mike Longley.  The property consists of a 1.47 acre parcel that is triangular in shape and backs to a cliff overlooking the Virgin River.  The property has legal access off SR-9, which is an issue, and is zoned highway commercial.  It has appraised for $154,000, and is needed to help preserve functionality of the future SR-9 corridor and interchange. 

Commissioner McConkie moved to approve the purchase of the LeRoy Elkert and Mike Longley property.  Commissioner Zeenati seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.

UDOT PROPERTY EXCHANGE
Gary McDougal – Mountain View Corridor

        Lyle McMillan said Gary McDougal owns a residential building in West Valley City, and UDOT owns a land-locked remnant parcel nearby that was purchased for the Mountain View Corridor.  UDOT would like to purchase the NE corner of Mr. McDougal’s property for access to maintain the MVC roadway embankment and storm drain ditch.  Mr. McDougal would like to integrate the land-locked parcel into his residential lot so he could landscape it and make his lot more desirable.  The property exchange would benefit the MVC and the property owner. 

Commissioner Cox moved to approve the property exchange with Gary McDougal.  Commissioner Zeenati seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.

INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
FHWA Report

        Arlene Kocher from FHWA said that FHWA is still working and that they would still be able to do Obligation Limitation.  She announced that she was officially the Acting Division Administrator and Russ Roberson was the acting Assistant Division Administrator.  At the request of Director Braceras, Ms. Kocher explained the selection process for a new division administrator. 

Commission Committee Reports

        Commissioner McConkie said he would be attending TransCom in November and mentioned the possibility of holding a joint meeting with the UTA Board.   Commissioner Millington reported on the Corridor Preservation Advisory Committee, JPAC, and MAG, and Chairman Holt reported on the CIB.  Commissioner Barlow noted that he attended the JHC meeting in Logan for Commissioner Cox last month, and Commissioner Zeenati talked about the possible options for the Mall Drive Road underpass in St. George.   

Upcoming Transportation Commission Meetings

       The next regular Utah Transportation Commission meeting is scheduled for Friday, November 14, 2013, in Tooele, Utah.  Dates and locations for 2014 were discussed.  The following has been tentatively scheduled: 

December 6, 2013 – Salt Lake City
January 17, 2014 – Salt Lake City
February 14, 2014 – Salt Lake City
March 20-21, 2014 – Santa Clara
April 17-18, 2014 – Salt Lake City
May 15-16, 2014 – Monticello
June 12-13, 2014 – Roosevelt
July 2014 – No meetings scheduled
August 14-15, 2014 – Lehi
September 11-12, 2014 – Salt Lake City/County Building
October 9-10, 2014 – Bountiful
November 13-14, 2014 – Price
December 5, 2014 – Salt Lake City

The meeting adjourned at 11:12 a.m.

The following Commissioners, staff members and others were in attendance:

Jeffrey D. Holt, Chairman
J. Kent Millington, Vice-Chairman
Wayne K. Barlow, Commissioner
Dannie R. McConkie, Commissioner
Eddie L. Cox, Commissioner
Naghi Zeenati, Commissioner
LeAnn G. Abegglen, Commission Secretary
Carlos Braceras, Executive Director
Cory Pope, Program Development Director
Bill Lawrence, Program Development
Bob Pelly, Program Development
Linda Hull, Director of Policy and Legis. Services
Jason Davis, Engineer for Operations
Elizabeth Weight, Community Relations
Lyle McMillan, Right of Way Director
Dian McGuire, Right of Way
Kris Peterson, Region One Director
Rick Torgerson, Region Four Director
Kevin Kitchen, Region Four
Daryl Friant, Region Four
Monte Aldridge, Region Four
Robert Dowell, Region Four
Arlene Kocher, FHWA
Johnny Anderson, Utah House of Representatives
Bruce Adams, San Juan County Commission
Kelly Pehrson, San Juan County
Gene Ciarus, Grand County Council
Lynn Jackson, Grand County Council
Mayor Dave Erley, Town of Castle Valley
Mayor Dave Sakrison, City of Moab
Donna Metzler, City of Moab
Jeff Foster, City of Moab
Rebecca Andrus, City of Moab
Jerry Amundsen, Lochner
Jamie Evans
Rick McConkie
Linda Millington
Jenna Holt