Utah Transportation Commission
March 7, 1997
St. George, Utah

The regular meeting of the Utah Transportation Commission, held at the St. George City Hall, City Council Chambers, 175 East 200 North, St. George, Utah, was called to order at 9:05 a.m. by Commission Chairman Glen E. Brown. He welcomed those in attendance. Executive Director, Tom Warne, was excused from the meeting.

Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Lewis moved to approve the minutes of the February 7, 1997 and February 12, 1997 Commission Meetings held in Salt Lake City, they were seconded by Commissioner Clyde and passed unanimously.

Local Area Presentation
Chairman Brown turned the time over to Commissioner Larkin. Commissioner Larkin recognized elected officials attending the Commission meeting, then turned the time over to Dale Peterson for the local area presentation.

Mr. Peterson welcomed the Commission to the Region 4 area, introduced staff members from the Richfield and Cedar City districts, and made brief comments. He then turned time over to Ken Adair for a report on the Transportation Improvement Program. Mr. Adair reported on this year's projects and construction in the area. Time was then turned over to Scott Munson to report on the Pavement Preservation Program in the Cedar City district.

Public Comments
Commissioner Larkin asked Washington County Commissioner Jerry Lewis to explain the Southern Corridor, who the lead agency is, and where it's going. Mr. Lewis gave brief details about the Corridor, the roadway that will go across the Southern part of the county, and preserving the corridor. Chairman Brown asked that the Commission be sent some written documentation on how they propose the $1 million dollars in consideration in the Centennial Highway Trust Fund, what the money will pay for. Commissioner Larkin stated that the Commission would like to get the Corridor identified well enough with a MIS or a Corridor Study. It was determined that the report would be available within a month. Mr. Lewis further addressed the Commission regarding other items of concern.

Brent DeMille, the Mayor of Leeds, spoke to the Commission. He gave a map to the Commission and mentioned improvements that will affect Leeds, as well as the problem of the southbound on and northbound off, one way interchange at the south end of the town. He also mentioned the northbound on and southbound off, one way interchange at the north end of town, and that cars getting off of the Interstate must go all the way through town to get back on the Interstate. He said they would like the state to consider making a two way interchange at the north end of town, and to do it as soon as possible. Ken Adair responded that it always has been a hazardous location. The interchange off ramp could possibly be relocated to the north a bit. Funding could be a problem though.

Mayor Rick Hafen of Santa Clara, addressed his concerns about I-15 and old US 91. He said that with the construction of I-15, Highway 91 through Santa Clara was returned back to the community for operation maintenance. Occasionally, I-15 is closed because of an accident or for weather conditions. All traffic then must travel on Highway 91, as it is the only route between St. George and Las Vegas or Mesquite. There is not a large tax base in Santa Clara on which to fund road improvements. There have been no major renovations made in 20 years, and it is in bad need of renovations. Mayor Hafen said they would like to work with the Department to come up with some solutions. There was brief discussion on this issue. Commissioner Larkin asked Dana Meier to work with Mayor Hafen to come up with some solutions that could be recommended to the Commission.

Mayor Dave Everett of Toquerville discussed the location of their post office, and said that 90% of the community must cross the road to get to the post office. Many of their citizens are advanced in years and it can be somewhat difficult to get across the road. Mayor Everett said he is asking for an evaluation to determine the suitability of a cross walk. Following additional discussion, Dana Meier was asked to work with the Mayor on this issue.

Senator Lorin Jones spoke to the Commission, and made brief comments regarding the legislative session. He spoke about the importance of the Southern Corridor, rights of way and development in Hurricane, the interchange at Washington, and Bluff Street and Sunset Road. He spoke of other priorities they would like to see moved up on the priority list, such as the Atkinville Wash interchange on I-15, St. George/Middleton Frontage Road, Hurricane Bypass Road, and widening the bridge on SR-18.

Representative Bill Hickman welcomed the Commission to St. George. He said the area has some serious needs, and he appreciates the Commission's recognition of those needs. Commissioner Larkin expressed appreciation to Senator Jones and Representative Hickman for their efforts the last few months with the legislature.

Commissioner Larkin turned the time back to Chairman Brown.

Adams Avenue Toll Road
Chairman Brown asked Clint Topham to give a brief overview of the Adams Avenue Toll Road agenda item. Mr. Topham said that there has been a desire for many years to construct Adams Avenue southward to the South Weber interchange in Weber County. Some of the officials in Weber County met with the Governor a year or so ago, and raised that issue again. The Governor expressed his interest in toll roads and private and public partnership in building transportation facilities. People from the Washington Terrace area and private developers have devised a plan over the last year to construct the Adams Avenue project, and to do it as a toll road, at least in part, and also preserve the development that might take place there. Mr. Topham said they would like participation from the State. He also said that in the legislative session, there was discussion about the project, and $2 million was set aside by the legislature for the Commission to consider participating in public/private partnership on a toll road. An amendment in the toll road bill gave the Commission the authority to participate in that project if they choose.

Mayor Brad Dee of Washington Terrace addressed the Commission. He handed out some information to the Commission. Mayor Dee said that the project has been characterized for some years as a Weber County project, and as a Washington Terrace City project, because Adams Avenue runs through their city. He also talked about the history of the area and of the road, the hillside stability, costs of a road that would connect to the I-84 freeway, and studies that have been done. He said that the road has been rated as one of the top transportation projects in Weber County by the Ogden/Weber chamber of Commerce, as well as all the governments in Weber County, and have full support of the Weber Area Council of Governments and the Weber County Commission.

Mayor Dee said they were concerned about how well people in Utah, especially in Weber County, would accept the concept of toll roads. But, their studies reveal that with the cost of fuel, and the options presented in this particular area, that if someone was to pay a 35-50 cent toll, it would almost be a break even point to access and use this particular road, not to mention the time savings the fact that US-89 and some of the hazardous conditions on that road would not have to be accessed. He said they feel the time has come to present this and see how well this project will work. Mayor Dee also said services would be provided by Washington Terrace city, because the road connects to Adams Avenue, which is a city road. They commit to never have the state do any maintenance or upkeep of that particular road. They anticipate that with the geotechnical studies they have, they will be able to construct that road with about $8.3 million.

Chairman Brown said that he visited with Rep. Stevens about this particular issue. His recollection was the fact that this would be a $2 million loan from the state, rather than a grant. He asked Mayor Dee if that was his understanding. Mayor Dee responded that there are a couple of problems with that. In order to achieve the financing, the developer need to be able to secure the $6 million dollars, but there can't be a lean on that particular property from another source. Mayor Dee agreed that it was to be a loan, but that payback wouldn’t occur for a few years, when the tolls had paid off the developer’s loans. Commissioner Brown also asked about liability and timing. Mayor Dee said that they would like to start the road within the next couple of months, and they would indemnity UDOT from liability. They would like to start the private section of the road too. The developer is ready, he feels he has the financing available to him and ready to be accessed. They would like to get the project done as soon as possible, because they think the demand for the project will only increase. Chairman Brown asked the mayor what budget year he would like to see the $2 million available. Mayor Dee responded FY 98. They are ready to move as quickly as possible on this. There was lengthy discussion on various details of the project. Mr. Topham mentioned the process that the Commission, beginning in April, will put together a program over the next few months for FY 1998, and that's how the answer will come, of whether the $2 million will be programmed in FY 98.

Ken Warnick of the Ogden/Weber Chamber of Commerce made brief comments, and said that this particular project has been on the top of the priority list for a few years.

Planning and Programming
Program Funds for the Railroad Relocation Project in SLC
Chairman Brown moved this item ahead in the agenda due to the time restraints of those making the presentation to the Commission. Mayor DeeDee Corradini and her staff handed out information and displayed charts on the Gateway project to the Commission. She said that this Gateway and Railroad relocation project is a once is a lifetime opportunity. The city and state are growing very rapidly, particularly the Wasatch Front, and the northwest quadrant is the only area of the city where there is space to grow, other than the area west of the airport. Mayor Corradini talked about the railroad tracks under the 400, 500, and 600 South viaducts. She said the railroad tracks could be shortened to 500 West. It would be a win-win situation all the way around. She also said that it would have to be done in conjunction with the reconstruction of I-15 or not be done at all, but there would be a savings of approximately $20 million. If it's not done then, the viaducts would have to be rebuilt just as they are today and spend $20 million, which would be unnecessary. By taking out the railroad tracks and the viaducts, it would open up 700 acres of the city. It is also an area of the city where they are looking for opportunities that could be used for the Olympics. Mayor Corradini discussed what they have been doing for the past three years and spoke about a critical November 1, 1997 deadline to have agreements in place if the first phase of the project is going to happen. She then said that what they are asking for today is first, support for this project from the Department and the Commission, and second, they are asking that the Commission approve $150,000 for the studies that need to get underway immediately with consultants.

Clint Topham wanted to clarify with the Mayor that she is asking the Commission for $150,000 for the Department to do the environmental study. Clint explained that the way UDOT would proceed is that it would be done as additional work by Parsons Brinckerhoff as part of the I-15 work that is currently underway. Mr. Topham also gave an explanation of the deadline saying that in the Request for Proposals, the contractors were asked to bid the viaducts two different ways, one coming down short, the other coming down where they are now. They would then be told which way they were going to do the viaducts in November of this year. The contractors have to have time to design the off ramps, whether they are going to be long or short. That's why it has to be done by November. Because this is a change, the environmental impact statement that was done said that the ramps would come down where they are now.

Several positive comments were made by the Commission about the project. There was additional discussion on the details of the project, including the environmental work and the timing of it.

Commissioner Lewis made a motion to authorize the expenditure of up to $150,000 for the environmental assessment for the railroad relocation and the ramp shortening. It was seconded by Commissioner Larkin and it passed unanimously.

Commissioner Lewis made a motion that the Commission endorse the concept of the shortening of the ramps. It was seconded by Commissioner Larkin, and it passed unanimously.

12300 South Sutdy by Draper City
Mayor Elaine Redd addressed the Commission, and expressed her concerns about the amount of time it takes to go four miles from Riverton to Draper. She said UDOT has permitted Draper to go ahead and act as project manager for the distance between the west frontage road over to the railroad tracks. It would be such a big advantage to them if they could get that done. Also, the design should be complete in about a month and a half, with Draper City funding it. Mayor Redd said according to her engineer, it's about a $2.5 million project. They feel that with them paying for the study, the land acquisition and the design, they would be contributing about 50 percent of the costs. Mayor Redd said they feel it's a good partnership offer from Draper and they would like to ask for cooperation to try to find some money.

Chairman Brown commented on the letter that was in the Commissioners binders. He said at that point in time, there was no way to make a commitment without taking some other project off the list. Since the actions of the legislature, the Commission did include on the transportation priority project list that was shared with the legislature, 12300 South for consideration out of the Centennial Highway Endowment fund. He said the Commission is in a different position today than they were then. It's going to be very difficult for the Commission to make a determination until the I-15 reconstruction cost is announced. Clint Topham said it is important for the Commission to hear from Draper City. To hear their recommitment, their willingness to design the project, to do the right of way, and participate in the costs. He said it would also be beneficial for Mayor Redd to know of the support that 12300 South received in the Commission's discussions of their priorities. Mr. Topham mentioned that he staff recommendation for the amount of money to be spent on 12300 South was less than what the Commission finally programmed. Mr. Topham thought this dialogue would help the mayor feel more comfortable having their city going ahead and expend funds in anticipation of the Commission being able to move quickly when UDOT is ready to do the project.

It was decided that it would be in Draper’s best interest to begin the process immediately, and that they would be notified as soon as information was available on what Draper City could expect from UDOT financially.

Planning and Programming
Transfer of Funds from Decker Lake Project to 3100 South Overpass
Linda Toy explained the item to the Commission. She said the department was charged with going out and finding if funds from Decker Lake could be transferred over to the pedestrian overpass at 3100 South and Bangerter Highway. She mentioned the amounts that were discussed in the February 7th Commission meeting. She said that no federal funds have been spent, and that West Valley City had spent up to $100,000 of their own funds for design. She said that WVC would be willing to eat those costs as part of the loss off of Decker Lake, and UDOT would take $350,000 in federal funds and transfer that over to the pedestrian overpass. She then explained the funding of the Decker Lake project.

There was further discussion on the details of the Decker Lake project and the funding amount. Russ Willardson, Public Works Director for WVC, addressed the Commission and reiterated what Ms. Toy had spoken about earlier regarding the Decker Lake project and West Valley City’s involvement in the funding. Ms. Toy spoke again and said that Region 2 had indicated their desire to do the design work on the overpass project, and that West Valley City would assume the responsibility for the rest of the project.

Mary Jane Emrazian with the CHAD group, addressed her issues of concern. Her concerns are that once the money is transferred, what happens next? She said that since the last meeting they were at, they have continued to be actively involved in this matter. Ms. Emrazian mentioned Millie Peterson's Senate Bill 145. Discussion ensued on that particular bill. Mr. Topham said that the appropriations bill to UDOT did say it is the intent of the legislature that the Transportation Commission consider retrofit noise walls and pedestrian safety as priorities when they appropriate money from the Centennial Highway Fund. Further discussion focused on the bill and the funding.

Ms. Emrazian talked about Bangerter Highway not being complete yet. She also mention the fact that overpasses that have been built further south on Bangerter Highway have had 75% funding from UDOT and 12.5% funding each by the city and the school district. Chairman Brown responded that Ms. Emrazian brought up a very good point, and commended her for bringing that forward. He said it’s the first time he has focused on what UDOT had done further south on Bangerter Highway. He said the difficulty that the Commission found themselves in last month was that there was no resource money other than what they had. The intent was not to be defensive. He feels bad they have not been able to match that. It's not UDOT's intent to penalize an area that already exists.

There was further discussion about overpasses and the funding of previously built overpasses. Mr. Topham briefly explained about the dividing of school boundaries. Since Bangerter Highway was being funded out of the General fund and wasn't being funded out of the transportation fund like most of the highways were, UDOT asked the legislature if they wanted to provide additional money to build the overpasses as part of the project. The legislature said they did, and UDOT built the overpasses at the locations where schools were being divided. The overpasses were built at locations where it was identified it was needed. Chairman Brown asked Mr. Topham if financing was not a constraining factor in this particular consideration, would UDOT fund 100 percent of it, or would it be 50/50. Mr. Topham responded that he would follow the Department's policy, and recommend that the Commission fund it 50/50, and further explained the reasoning. Mr. Topham also mentioned that the criteria was at the time that UDOT would build overpasses that bisected elementary schools. UDOT was not building overpasses for junior high schools or high schools. And that is still the case. Ms. Emrazian said that UDOT is affecting an elementary school at 3100 South and further down. Mr. Topham replied that his recollection is that it did not bisect that school boundary at that time, that the school boundaries have been changed since that time. Dave Miles responded that the problem wasn't so much that the school boundary was changed, but at the time, there was 100 students crossing the Bangerter highway at that point and they were being bussed. And, because they were being bussed, UDOT didn't feel that an overpass needed to be built.

Ms. Emrazian said they are being bussed because of hazardous bussing, that's how they qualified for that money. If they were not receiving hazardous bussing, they would be required to cross the highway.

There was discussion about the bussing issue, and about the school districts. Chairman Brown asked Ms. Emrazian if she has approached the school district for any share of the cost of the overpass. Ms. Emrazian said they have approached them. They have not given an absolute no, but they have said they are very hesitant to even want to help at one overpass, because they believe if they contribute to one, that will make them contribute to all of them.

Commissioner Eastman commented that there is no clear answer. Chairman Brown commended the CHAD group for their efforts. He asked if West Valley City going to put any of their own money into this, beyond giving up the project. Mr. Willardson said that the WVC has committed $100,000. Ms. Emrazian said that with the $250,000 that the Commission is moving on today, and West Valley City's $100,000, they are left with $150,000 to raise, for the approximate cost they were told of $500,000 to build the overpass. There was continued discussion on the Decker Lake Project and the funding amounts.

Richard Manser said that as a technical point, the motion should be a STIP amendment. Wasatch Front Regional Council will also have to amend their TIP before there is federal approval. It was decided that Mr. Manser will communicate with Wasatch Front Regional Council by letter to verify the action taken place today, and that they will need to take a similar motion. Commissioner Lewis asked that Mr. Manser also send a courtesy copy to Ms. Emrazian and the CHAD group so they will have that information also.

Commissioner Lewis moved to amend the STIP to put $450,000 from the Decker Lake project to the 3100 South overpass project. Commissioner Larkin seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Planning and Programming
Approving Funds for Duchesne City Project Improving Drainage and Appearance on U.S. 40
Linda Toy explained the Duchesne City project, which is to improve appearance and drainage on Main Street. From meetings held last fall, Duchesne City came up with a plan to phase the project and address immediate concerns they have with drainage. They have not been able to successfully obtain any enhancement funds the last several years, so they are going to phase the project and do just the drainage first. The Community Impact Board has agreed to match any funds that UDOT can come up with 50/50. Region 3 has proposed that they take contingency funds up to 50% of the cost of the project, capping it at $250,000, and the CIB would match that. It would be in line with the cost of the project, to be about $500,000. This is not an existing project. Ms. Toy said the Commission needs to approve the use of contingency funds for this project.

Clint Topham explained that the Department doesn't normally bring the contingency funds to the Commission, but the Commission directed the Department that they were not to spend funds on projects that weren't on the STIP, and this is not on the STIP.

Commissioner Lewis made a motion to authorize the expenditure of up to $250,000 from the contingency funds for the Duchesne City project, with a 50% match from the Community Impact Board. Commissioner Clyde seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Planning and Programming
Increase in Funding for 200 North over Coal Creek -- Bridge Replacement
George Thompson said that Cedar City and their City Council has requested that UDOT approve some additional bridge replacement funding. He said that the bridge replacement funds are at an 80/20 match. They are asking for about $522,000 in federal bridge replacement money, and they will match that with about $130,000. Explained the reasons for the increase. Mr. Thompson said that so the programming of the STIP is not interrupted, two projects in Mt. Pleasant would move from 1997 to 1998, and some projects in Duchesne County would be moved from 1998 to 1999. Chairman Brown asked if this would interfere with the Henefer Bridge at all. Mr. Thompson briefly explained the bridge replacement program. There was more discussion on the process.

Commissioner Eastman wanted to clarify that this will not impact Henefer Bridge. Mr. Thompson said there is enough apportionment to build the Henefer Bridge, and that UDOT can move projects that are not ready to be built, such that advanced construction money could be used in order to make the Henefer Bridge work. There was also discussion about Henefer seeking money from the Community Impact Board.

Commissioner Eastman moved to increase the funding for 200 North over Coal Creek, according to the presentation, for bridge replacement. Commissioner Clyde seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.

Planning and Programming
Provo Municipal Airport -- Increase of $60,000
Bob Barrett discussed the Provo Municipal Airport project, saying it is for the continuing multi-year Provo Municipal Airport runway 13/31 extension program. He said the federal government has come up with $60,000 more in discretionary funding that they would like to apply to this project, that will allow them to move some phases of this project forward a little bit. And, there is matching money available. To do that, the final amounts would be $60,000 from the Federal Government, $2,989 each from the State and Local matches, for a total of $65,978.

Commissioner Larkin moved to authorize the additional expenditure of $60,000 with the match from the City and the State. Commissioner Lewis seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Planning and Programming
Amendment to the 1997 STIP -- 7200 South from 700 West to 1300 West in Midvale
Clint Topham explained that the correction was a typographical error. He said that in Monticello, and the Commission had to put the Midvale project into two different years because of noise walls. When $300,000 was put in to one year, an error was made and $3 million was put in instead.

Commissioner Lewis moved to make the appropriate correction on the dollar amount for the noise walls on the transportation fund as a result of action on other projects. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Eastman, and it passed unanimously.

Planning and Programming
Approval of a Feasibility Study on a Toll Road in Davis County
Clint Topham explained to the Commission that this is "an in anticipation" discussion. He said that the Governor is very interested in the Legacy Highway and moving that project forward, and in doing so in a way that possible tolls and possible local participation can be leveraged. A study was done on what might be expected from tolls on that road. He also commented that others have said if UDOT looks in a broader sense at the Legacy Highway, more than just the West Davis Highway piece, that more revenue and more participation might be expected. He said that UDOT has also been contacted by some people that might be interested in a private partnership. Mr. Topham said that Director Warne wanted him to bring this to the attention of the Commission, not to ask the Commission to program a specific amount of funds today, but to get the Commission's feeling on this.

Commissioner Weston asked about the hiring. Mr. Topham said they have not negotiated with anyone to do anything yet, but what they'd like to do is enter into some negotiations and come back to the Commission in about another month. There was further discussion on the anticipated costs. The Commission also shared further thoughts and concerns.

Commissioner Eastman clarified that the concern is that if the whole thing is looked at right now, then everything done north of Davis County and South Salt Lake County has no value in two decades when these roads actually get built. Mr. Topham said that Director Warne wants the Commission to know where UDOT is moving on that. Commissioner Eastman said to look into how much it's going to cost.

WFRC TIP Amendment for UTA Line Item -- 21 Buses
Linda Toy explained the that the UTA has a grant pending with the FTA to receive funding to buy 21 new busses. The UTA is receiving more money than they originally anticipated they would receive., so that would allow them to move up a number of projects that were going to be funded in FY 98, and move them up to FY 98. In December, the WFRC met and acted on that to amend their TIP to reflect those changes. The FTA and the UTA has requested that the Commission concur in the actions that the WFRC has taken.

Commissioner Lewis moved approval to amend the STIP as explained. Commissioner Weston seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.

DYE Management Group Audit Report
Clint Topham explained the item and said that they would like the Commission's approval to go ahead with the next part of the audit. He said the auditor is ready to go to work, and UDOT is recommending that he do the next audit on the design process, and look at all the different processes in design, environmental, utility, right of way, etc. to see if there are gains to be made in those processes. Mr. Topham said that UDOT is planning on implementing what is called a Project Manager in the Department. UDOT will assign a project manager over a project as soon as it comes into planning. And, as soon as the Commission puts a project on the transportation improvement program, that manager will follow the project all the way through until it goes into maintenance. There will be better coordination that way.

Chairman Brown commented that he and Tom Warne talked about where to direct the auditors next. Commissioner Lewis asked if the Dye Group would be the consultants on this next audit. Chairman Brown responded that they would be. Mr. Topham also responded that when UDOT hired the Dye Group the last time, they were hired to do multiple audits if UDOT chose to do that. Commissioner Lewis commented that the last report was fairly tough, and the next one could be as tough or tougher. He also said he thinks this is excellent, and it should take care of a few questions raised by some Senators and others. Commissioner Eastman said that he thinks it should be the Departments number one priority to be accountable. He also asked who is responsible for the report and who is going to follow through on it. Mr. Topham said that UDOT has set up a committee, with Max Ditlevsen, the Comptroller, as the chairman, to implement the recommendations. Commissioner Eastman said his recommendation is to use part of the Dye Management Organization to follow up on the recommendations, and make sure things are being done appropriately, so as to maximize the benefit of the recommendation of the report. Then move on to a new area. The was continued discussion on the process, the follow up, and implementation.

Chairman Brown said that with the time being short, they won’t get into anything further. Chairman Brown said that if any of the Commission has any thoughts or feelings about it, including the process, don't hesitate to tell himself or Director Warne.

Corridor Preservation Rule
Richard Manser spoke to the Commission. He said that last month, a draft of the rule which wasn’t in final legal form, was brought to the Commission. He said there have since been some changes made to it, and explained that in the way of changes, they have put in some legal references. They've listed the organizations that will be represented on committee, spelled out the committee's responsibilities, and referenced the law. There is also a statement about priority being given to cost effective projects which minimize future transportation right of way costs. And, under UDOT responsibilities, the responsibility has been assigned to the Department to determine if adequate environmental studies have been done, rather than requiring an MIS or some other study which was difficult to define. Also, the section on repayment conditions has been strengthened so that it should be clear how monies will be repaid to the acco unt.

There was some discussion regarding agricultural land between Chairman Brown and Mr. Manser. Mr. Manser said that one distinction the code said about prime agricultural lands, was that it is a Commission responsibility. They were trying to outline the Department's responsibilities. Chairman Brown asked if there should be a paragraph or sentence in there saying that those statutory considerations shall be reviewed. Commissioner Lewis suggested that it say in addition to the statutory considerations, the following will be reviewed. Mr. Manser asked where they would put that in. Chairman Brown said probably "UDOT Shall..." under A. There was continued discussion on the language of the sentence. Mr. Manser said that one of the reasons they felt strongly about the Department having a role in this was because of the risk that would be incurred if there have not been sufficient studies done.

Chairman Brown stated that the Commission is not challenging the rule. Mr. Manser responded that's the difference between “shall” and “may”. Commissioner Lewis said UDOT is also subject to challenge if it says shall, and a good enough job wasn’t done. If it says may, UDOT can do all of those, and it's their decision as to whether or not it's even needed. Discussion continued on the “shall” vs. “may” wording in the rule. There was also discussion in regards to the committee members and if technical background or experience should be a requirement for involvement on the committee.

Commissioner Lewis said that he would like to strengthen the rule slightly to say there is a preference for people with technical expertise or experience. Commissioner Griffith asked if they could change the additional committee members from "shall be" to "may be." Commissioner Lewis said the mandate for geographic representation is lost if it is changed to shall. He suggested maintaining the geographical and adding the technical.

Commissioner Lewis moved to amend the language where it says "and a representative from each of the following," change it to read "and a representative with relevant technical expertise or experience from each of the following." Commissioner Larkin seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.

Commissioner Lewis made a motion to amend item 1 under R926-6-5 to read "in addition to the specified statutory consideration, UDOT may also:." Commissioner Weston seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.

Commissioner Lewis made a motion to change the language in the last sentence of R926-6-4 from "which minimize future transportation right of way costs" to "which maximize cost savings for future transportation right of way acquisitions." It was seconded by Commissioner Griffith, and it passed unanimously.

Commissioner Eastman moved to adopt the rule as amended for the purposes of administrating the Transportation Corridor Preservation. It was seconded by Commissioner Lewis, and motion passed unanimously.

It was requested that a copy of the rule with the amendments in final form, be sent to the Commission. Mr. Manser said that with Commission permission, they will go ahead and put this through the rule making process as soon as possible.

Informational Items
The next transportation Commission meeting will be held on Friday, April 25, 1997 at 1:30 p.m. at the Rampton Complex Large Conference Room, after the Commission Workshop on April 24 & 25, 1997.

Chairman Brown asked if Commissioner Griffith would be able to attend the JHC meeting in Price on March 20-21, 1997. Commissioner Griffith said she would check her calendar. Other Commissioners were invited to attend also.

The meeting adjourned at 1:20 p.m.

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

Glen E. Brown, Chairman
Todd G. Weston, Vice-chairman
James G. Larkin, Commissioner
Ted D. Lewis, Commissioner
Hal M. Clyde, Commissioner
Dan R. Eastman, Commissioner
Sheri L. Griffith, Commissioner
LeAnn G. Abegglen, Commission Secretary
Clinton D Topham, Deputy Director
Linda Toy, Program Development Director
George Thompson, Engineer for Programming
Kim Schveneveldt, Project Development Engineer
David K. Miles, Engineer for Operations
Robert P. Barrett, Director of Aeronautics
Dale E. Peterson, Region Four Director
Dana Meier, Cedar City District Engineer
Andrea Packer, UDOT
Bob Parry, UDOT
Dan Julio, UDOT
Richard Manser, UDOT
Scott Munson, UDOT
Ken Adair UDOT
Michael G. Ritchie, Division Administrator, FHWA
Mayor Elaine Redd, Draper City
Mayor Deedee Corradini, Salt Lake City
Brian Hatch, Salt Lake City
Tim Harpst, Salt Lake City Transportation Director
Allison Gregorson, Salt Lake City
Steve Meyer, The Sear-Brown Group
Mayor Brad Dee, Washington Terrace City
Russ Willardson, West Valley City
Mary Jane Emrazian, CHAD/West Valley City
Senator Lorin Jones
Representative Bill Hickman
Larry Bullock, City of St. George
Dave Demas, City of St. George
Aron Baker, City of St. George
Marilyn Raburn, St. George Chamber of Commerce
Mayor Brent DeMille, Leeds Town
Mel Evans, Leeds Town
Mayor Dave Everett, Toquerville Town
Alan Gardner, Washington County Commission
Jerry Lewis, Washington County Commission
LaRue Donnelly, Enterprise City Council
Mayor Rick Hafen, City of Santa Clara
Mayor Viv Adams, City of Kanab
Ken Warnick, Ogden/Weber Chamber of Commerce
Brent Walis, Ogden/Weber Chamber of Commerce
Dick Dahlkemper, Ogden/Weber Chamber of Commerce
Randy Sant, Ogden/Weber Chamber of Commerce
Darrell Cook, Mountainland MPO
Jeff Starkey, Snow Nuffer
Gene Sturzenegger, MK Centennial
Brent Gardner, UHC
Kit Wareham, Cedar City