Utah Transportation Commission
June 3, 1994
Salt Lake City, Utah

The regular meeting of the Utah Transportation Commission was called to order by Commission Chairman Glen E. Brown at 9:10 a.m.

Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Larkin moved to approve the minutes of the Transportation Commission Meeting held May 13, 1994 in Salt Lake City. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Weston and it passed unanimously.

Service Awards
Chairman Brown welcomed those employees present to receive their service awards, along with their family and friends in attendance, and said it was a pleasure to honor them.

Ron Stringham, Information System Services, 30 Years - Ron was presented to the Commission by Dave Burton to receive his 30 year service award. He began work for the Department in engineering and over the years transitioned into data processing. His engineering skills have made him very useful in consulting and advising the engineering staff in the efficient use of the computer system. He was instrumental in bringing the computer aided design (CAD) system into the Department.

Commissioner Clyde thanked Ron and presented him with a certificate of appreciation and award catalogue for his 30 years of service to the Department.

Dee H. Lynn, Civil Rights, 30 Years - Dee Lynn was introduced to the Commission by Mario Blanco for his 30 year service award, and his wife Lois Ann was also present. Dee began work in a project office in Region 2 as an office manager, then moved to Region 1 in another project office. In 1979 he transferred to the Comptroller's Office, then to the budget office, then to the Civil Rights Office. Mario praised Dee as an expert in contract compliance, a good analyst, very knowledgeable in the apprenticeship training program, and a real asset to UDOT.

Chairman Brown said he and Dee happened to be former school mates and he was very pleased to be able to present him with his 30 year service award. He expressed his personal regard and the congratulations and thanks of the Commission for his many years of dedicated service.

Charles Richard Patten, Region 2, 30 Years - Richard Patten was introduced by Duane Christensen to the Commission to receive his 30 year service award. Richard's career with the Department began in project field offices in Region 2 as a surveyor. He then moved into Preconstruction in Roadway Design as a technical draftsman. In 1984 Richard moved back to a project crew as an inspector working mostly on the southeast quadrant of I-215. He gained expertise in electrical work and also worked on lighting and signal projects in Region 2. Richard has taken advantage of all the training the Department has offered and has pursued his career very vigorously. He is currently working on Bangerter Highway projects. Duane expressed his appreciation of Richard's skills and dedication to the Department.

Commissioner Clyde expressed the Commission's appreciation for Richard's many years of service to the Department and presented him with a certificate of appreciation and award catalogue.

Kent C. Wilde, Region 2, 30 Years - Kent Wilde was presented by Richard Milled to receive his 30 year service award. Working in a project field office Kent has overseen construction on a wide variety of projects during his career. Coincidentally, he began as an inspector on I-80, Wanship to Coalville, and 25 years later he worked on that section again to resurface it and rehabilitate the structures. Most recently he worked on US-40 from Silver Creek Jct. to Park City Jct. and contributed a great deal to the early completion of that job. He is a very valuable employee to UDOT.

Chairman Brown said he was doubly pleased to present Kent with his service award because Kent was also one of his school mates and a good personal friend. He noted he has observed Kent his entire duration with UDOT and has seen first hand his dedication to his job. He expressed his personal thanks and congratulations to Kent and also on behalf of the Department and Commission for his years of loyal service.

Charlie Howard, Region 3, 30 Years - Charlie Howard was introduced to the Commission for his 30 year service award by Alan Mecham, who also recognized Charlie's wife, Kathy, and his sons, Dee and Derek. Charlie began work in Region 2 in a project office materials lab, he also served as an office manager, field engineer, inspector and office engineer; he had a great deal of experience in the field. In 1976 he transferred to the Richfield District as a project engineer and spent a good deal of his career working on I-70 projects. In 1988 he was selected as the Materials Engineer in Region 3 (former District 6) and still holds that position. He also served as acting Construction Engineer in Region 3 in 1988-89. He is an employee who came up through the ranks and is a very valuable asset to the Department.

Commissioner Clyde expressed the congratulations and thanks of the Commission in recognition of his dedication and service to the Department.

Wanda Silver, Region 2, 25 Years - Wanda Silver was presented for her 25 year service award by John Leonard. She began work for the Department in Region 3 for the Construction Engineer. In 1972 she transferred to Region 2 and has worked as a highway technician, a Maintenance secretary, a Preconstruction secretary, and a design technician. In 1990 she moved into the Region 2 Traffic Engineer's office. Her variety of experience has been a real asset. She has a great ability to deal with irate, disgruntled citizens and is able to express the Department's concern to them. She recently played an integral part in upgrading the school zones within Region 2, which required almost two years to complete. Mr. Leonard said she is an extremely valuable employee, and he expressed his own congratulations.

Commissioner Clyde presented Wanda with her certificate of appreciation and added that it takes a special talent to smooth the ruffled feathers of disgruntled citizens. He expressed the congratulations and thanks of the Commission for her years of service

Abdul Rashidi, Region 2, 25 Years - Ab Rashidi was introduced by Gene Sturzenegger for his 25 year service award. Ab is from Afghanistan. He came to the United States in 1963 and attended school at USU. He graduated in 1969 with a B.S. in Civil Engineering and came to work for UDOT in a construction field office. In 1970 he was transferred to headquarters and the remainder of his career he has spent at headquarters or Region 2, and his expertise is in hydraulics. Since 1993 he has been in Region 2 and has been involved in project design. He is married and has two children of whom he is very proud.

Commissioner Brown expressed the Commission's congratulations and presented Ab with a certificate of appreciation and award catalogue. Ab expressed his thanks to the Department and said he is proud of the work he has accomplished, but he has received much more in return with his good friends and associations in the Department.

Lynn R. Zollinger, Region 1, 25 Years - Lynn Zollinger was presented to the Commission for his 25 year service award by Dyke LeFevre, who also recognized his wife, Cindy. Lynn's entire career has been in Region 1 in roadway design. He started as an engineer in training and has worked his way up through various positions, as a design engineer, district roadway design engineer, then Preconstruction Engineer which position was changed to Assistant Director and which he currently holds. Dyke noted that Lynn has had a hand in many projects in Region 1 in the last 25 years. He has worked for many years on Logan Canyon, and Dyke hoped he would be able to bring that project to fruition. Lynn and Cindy have six children. He also likes to restore old cars and is very active in car shows in the Logan area.

Commissioner Weston said he was very honored to present Lynn with his certificate of appreciation. He has known Lynn for many years and appreciated his dedication to the Department. He also acknowledged Cindy's support of Lynn's career.

Brian P. Willis, Region 1, 25 Years - Brian Willis was also introduced by Dyke for his 25 year service award. Brian has spent is career in Region 1 as a draftsman, and is a graduate of the HET program. He is currently a design technician. It was noted one of the projects Brian first worked on was the Antelope Drive project almost 25 years ago, and it is just now under construction.

Commissioner Weston expressed the Commission's appreciation to Brian for his years of service to the Department and presented him with a certificate of appreciation and award catalogue.

Dennis J. Simper, Region 1, 25 Years - Dennis Simper was introduced by Dyke for his service award for 25 years. Dennis began work for the Department as a draftsman, and was also attending school at the time. Following graduation he became an engineer trainee and has worked ever since in construction on various projects throughout the state. He worked in the Price District on the historic Thistle project, but the majority of his career has been in Region 1. He has been a field engineer since 1979 and enjoys that work which is good for the Department because he has good rapport with the contractors. He is a licensed professional engineer and licensed land surveyor.

Commissioner Weston congratulated Dennis and presented him with a certificate of appreciation and award catalogue.

Connie B. Simmons, Region 1, 25 Years - Connie Simmons was introduced to the Commission By Sheryn Burton for her 25 year service award. Connie has spent her entire career in Region 1 headquarters. She began work in the accounting section. A few years ago she moved into a computer position as the technical support technician. She started at the bottom learning all she could about computers and she has excelled at that; she is the computer expert in the Region. Connie has been an extremely dedicated employee. She has six children and two stepchildren, and diligently worked at a successful career and raising her family. Sheryn said Connie is a very valuable employee in the Region, and also a very good friend.

Commissioner Weston thanked Connie for her years of service to the Department, and presented her certificate of appreciation and award catalogue.

A. Scott Munson, Cedar City District, 25 Years - Scott Munson was presented for his 25 year service award by J. R. Chamberlain, and also introduced his wife, Maxine. Since 1987 Scott has been the Maintenance Engineer in the Cedar City District and has been a great asset to the Department. Mr. Chamberlain noted he has seen an improvement in our highways in that area while he was District Director the last six years and he attributed that to Scott's work. Scott began work as an engineer in training, then took a leave of absence to attend USU and get his engineering degree. In 1971 he went through the rotational program. In 1973 he was promoted to a field engineer, and in 1978 to project engineer.

Commissioner Larkin expressed the appreciation and congratulations of the Commission and presented Scott with a certificate of appreciation and award catalogue.

Douglas I. Anderson, Transportation Planning, 25 Years - Doug Anderson was introduced by Dave Miles for his 25 year service award. Doug began work with the Department in 1969 when he graduated from the University of Utah, and he continued working towards his Masters Degree which he earned in 1972. He began on the rotational training program, then moved into Materials and Research where he worked for 17 years. When the pavement monitoring system was moved from Materials to Transportation Planning, Doug moved with it. For the last two years he has been Engineer for Transportation Planning. Doug always strives for quality. He always puts extra effort into projects, and encourages and advises his staff to produce quality work. Over the years a number of Doug's own reports have been published nationally. He is a very valuable employee. Doug is also an avide and excellent tennis player.

Commissioner Clyde presented Doug with a certificate of appreciation, and expressed the Commission's congratulations and thanks for his many years of quality service.

Retirement Awards
Edward V. Chapman, Region 2, 15 Years - Ed Chapman was presented to the Commission for his retirement award by Verl Ahlstrom. Verl noted that Ed is more commonly known as "Big Ed" and he also introduced Ed's wife, Linda, and daughter, Beth. He worked for the department as a seasonal employee from 1977 to 1979 at the West Jordan Maintenance Station, and became a permanent employee at that station in 1979. In 1981 he transferred to Station 245, which is landscaping and special crews. It was noted Ed knows where every sprinkler box, backflow protector, water meter and control box is in the entire Region 2 area, and it is going to be a big job to try to find all those after he leaves. Ed is very honest, industrious, and extremely loyal.

Commissioner Clyde expressed the appreciation and congratulations of the Commission and presented his retirement certificate. Ed said he had enjoyed his career with the Department and would like to work longer, but he had to retire for medical reasons.

Arthur R. Chidester, Construction, 32 Years - Art Chidester was presented to the Commission by Tom Smith for his retirement award after 32 years of service. Art is well known throughout the Department, and a reception honoring him was held yesterday. He has been involved in construction during his entire career with the Department, and served as project engineer in the Richfield and Price Districts, working on major projects all across I-70 and on SR-95. His dedication and ability as a project engineer was well recognized, and he was selected to oversee the reconstruction of SR-6 after the Thistle slide. He and the others involved did a phenomenal job. Following the Thistle project he transferred to the Construction Division at headquarters and since 1984 has served as Deputy Construction Engineer. He has taken every opportunity to further his education and gain more knowledge, and in so doing made himself a more valuable employee to the Department. He has gained the respect of UDOT employees and contractors throughout the entire state. Tom also read a letter sent to Art from an associate from the Price District which demonstrated the esteem in which Art is held.

He is a devoted family man and loves hunting, fishing and all kinds of sports. He is very civic minded and has served on school boards, city councils, planning commissions, and in many capacities in church to serve his community and state. Art's expertise and knowledge will be greatly missed by all his friends and associates in the Department.

Commissioner Clyde expressed his personal appreciation for Art and his association with him in the construction field throughout the years. He presented his retirement certificate and also extended congratulations on behalf of the Commission and recognized his dedication and years of loyal service to the Department, as well as his community service in other capacities for the good of the state of Utah.

Art thanked everyone for their comments and good wishes. He reminisced about working with some of the other employees, and relayed some humorous stories about Commissioner Clyde and his blue hard hat, and about J. R. Chamberlain. He expressed his appreciation for working for UDOT; he was able to further his education, travel the entire state, and make enduring friendships.

1994 Enhancements Projects Recommendations
Utah State University Underpasses/Overpass Project
Commissioner Weston recognized State Representative Fred R. Hunsaker, and USU Campus Planner Wendell Morse. The Commissioner explained that for a long time a serious situation has existed at the entrance to Utah State University at 4th North and 700 East in Logan. The University has three parking lots which are across 400 North (US-89) which is a very busy highway, and the bad situation is compounded because the parking lots are situated where there is a curve in the road resulting in very poor site distance. There have been some very serious accidents at the location, and there are many near misses.

He said a signal light at that location would not work because Highway 89 is on a curve and has a 40 MPH speed limit, and to come around a curve and encounter a signal would make a more dangerous situation.

It had been suggested that Enhancements funds be utilized for the construction of some underpasses and an overpass in that area to alleviate the conflict with pedestrians and automobile traffic. This project has been on our long-range list for some time, but it has never been a high enough priority to make the short list. He felt this project would be a good use of Enhancements Funds.

Chairman Brown explained why the project was being considered for Enhancements funds. He stated that Representative Hunsaker and Mr. Morse had had an earlier meeting and conversation with Chairman Brown, Director Zwick and other UDOT staff concerning this problem on Highway 89 at USU. The Chairman wanted it clearly understood it was not the University's intent to ask for Enhancements funds for their project. They came to the Department with a problem they felt needed to be solved and were seeking a solution to that problem. As staff and Commission reviewed the problem it was determined the project would fit within the criteria and purview of an enhancement activity, recognizing it had not been through the traditional process we have in place. He said they felt it was within the Commission's authority and prerogative to consider it. They didn't want to short-circuit the system, but occasionally a worthy project is apparent, and they are trying to act as responsibly as possible with the tools available to them.

Representative Hunsaker thanked the Commission for considering the work as an Enhancements project. He feels it is a very needed enhancement to the safety of Highway 89.

Wendell Morse explained in more detail what they would like to do and displayed a diagram of the area. He indicated the three parking lots located across US-89 from the University, and also pointed out an area known as the Island Area where many people live and who use trails to walk to the University and have to cross US-89 to get to campus.

He said the situation has become so serious that this year the Campus Planning Committee reversed a previous decision for a building renovation and instead asked the State Building Board to fund with State funds three tunnels, or pedestrian underpasses, to run from the parking lots beneath Highway 89 to the campus. There was a great deal of agonizing over foregoing the building renovation, but they felt it was more important to fund the underpasses. The Building Board agreed to fund them and the University is now working with Lynn Zollinger in Region 1 coming up with the final plans. They plan to bid them in the near future.

He continued that they had discussed with Lynn Zollinger and others at DOT before that if the University could come up with the money for the three underpasses, could DOT build the one overpass from one of the parking lots to the campus. He pointed out on the diagram where the overpass was proposed to be constructed. The overpass would work very well at that location because the parking lot is across from Old Main Hill, trails come up from the Island Area by the parking area, and the overpass would only need a ramp on one side, making it possible for people to take the ramp from the parking lot, then cross the overpass and meet the hill on-grade. It would eliminate the necessity of people trying to cross the busy street then having to climb Old Main Hill. It would be a natural encouragement for people to use the overpass.

There was additional discussion about the overpass, including the height which would have approximately 17 feet clearance over the highway, possibly more--whatever it would take to make the overpass meet the top of the hill. There would also have to be some walkway constructed from the overpass to link to some existing walkways.

Mr. Morse said he had been working with Dyke LeFevre on some cost estimates for the overpass. They have determined the estimated cost would be $445,000 and would include the walkways which would come to the overpass. In addition to the overpass, however, one other thing which needs to be considered is extension of a retaining wall. He explained where pedestrian traffic used to cross the highway in a very bad spot, so UDOT asked the University to put up a fence which they did last year. However, some people still crawl around the edge of the fence and cross the street. A solution to that would be to construct a section of retaining wall which would join two existing sections of retaining wall to eliminate any access and would force people to cross at the safer location. The retaining wall would also be effective in keeping rocks off the road which continue to fall from the hill. If the retaining wall is put in as part of this overpass project, it would make it almost impossible for people to not use the overpass--they would have to go out of their way to avoid the overpass. The retaining wall would be an additional $60,000, bringing the entire overpass project to a total of $500,000. It was noted the three underpasses would cost approximately $700,000.

There was additional discussion about the use of the overpass by pedestrians, and that in this particular location with the high speed traffic on the highway, the hill which has to be climbed, and with the addition of the retaining wall, it would make the overpass the most attractive and easiest way to get across the street. Commissioner Clyde asked how they proposed to make pedestrians use the underpasses. Mr. Morse explained the parking lots with the underpasses will have the grade lowered eight feet, the underpasses will be on grade with the parking lot and the pedestrian would have to climb a hill or a retaining wall and go out of their way to avoid using the underpasses. It will make the underpasses the most convenient way to cross the street from those parking lots. They are also locating the underpasses at the sites where most of the crossing is naturally occurring. About 300 people a day use the trails to get to the campus, but the bigger issue is the pedestrians coming from the parking lots.

A lengthy discussion continued about the project. Commissioner Clyde asked about relocating the road which would put the parking lots on the campus side. Mr. Morse said they had proposed that about ten years ago, and it was very well received by DOT staff, but the expense is so great it can probably never be funded. He said even if the road was relocated they would still probably want some underpasses from the trails to the campus.

Commissioner Clyde asked who would maintain the underpasses. Mr. Morse affirmed the University would be responsible for their maintenance, and they were also building them. Representative Hunsaker said they would commit to that maintenance in a signed contract. They will be wide underpasses which will be lighted and monitored with security cameras. The University will pay for all those utilities, including power. Mr. Morse noted right now the lighting on those parking lots is being paid by Logan City because the University does not have any power over there, but they will get power with this project. He said they checked with six other universities in the West which have very similar situations and who have done the same thing as this proposal, and they have had very good success. Representative Hunsaker said they are also prepared to offer to maintain the overpass.

Commissioner Clyde wondered if we were opening the door for a lot of requests with this type of Enhancements project. Clint Topham stated this overpass project does qualify as an Enhancements project, so it wasn't opening any new doors. Don Steinke affirmed that Clint was correct; this project would qualify as an Enhancements project because it is pedestrian transportation oriented.

Clint pointed out, however, that the Department does have a policy on School Pedestrian Overpass Structures, No. 11-122. It doesn't exactly fit this particular situation in that we have never dealt with a university before, it's more oriented toward elementary and secondary schools. The one thing which does apply has to do with funding, which indicates the Department shall contribute no more than 50% of the total cost of design, right-of-way acquisition, utility relocation and construction on existing alignment; 75% if it's a new alignment. The balance of the funding will come from local agencies, school districts, or private sources. We've used this policy before when we've used only State funds; we've never had a federal funding source like the Enhancements which provides 80% of the funding, so the Commission may want to consider waiving the policy.

Clint suggested the Commission could consider the three underpasses and the one overpass as one project, instead of two separate projects, and consider the underpasses being constructed by the University as their share, or 50%, of the cost.

Commissioner Weston said he had been concerned about an overpass meeting the qualifications as an Enhancements project, but since it has been affirmed it did qualify he was satisfied. He also commented on the pedestrian traffic from the trails tying into the overpass to make it a more intermodal project.

Clint said in their earlier discussions it had been mentioned that possibly the University could do the total project, including the overpass, and we could sign a cooperative agreement with them. Mr. Morse said they would be glad to do that but they don't want to hold up construction of the underpasses this year because of the overpass; the underpasses are almost ready to go to bid. Clint indicated the Enhancements money for this project would be available right now.

Mr. Morse said they would prefer to bid the work as two separate projects; the underpasses as one project, the overpass as a second project. But if they could count the money they spend on the underpasses as matching money for the overpass that would be most agreeable to them. However, if they have to match the 20% on the overpass project to meet the federal regulations they would still be willing to do that, although it would be a hardship to come up with the 20% when they will be spending around $700,000 on the three underpasses.

Commissioner Weston asked how far along we are with design of the overpass. Lynn Zollinger said no design has been done on the overpass, although he has been working with USU on design of the underpasses. Lynn said it would take approximately three months to design the overpass once a consultant is identified to do the work. Commissioner Weston asked if it could be done in-house and Lynn replied he couldn't answer that; Structures would have to address that.

Mr. Morse said they already have a consultant hired to do the underpasses, and if DOT wanted they could add design of the overpass to their contract. That may speed the process up, however, they would still have to be bid separately. Mr. Morse also indicated they didn't want to use federal funds on the underpasses because they would have to pay higher wage rates, etc. Bidding them separately, even if they had to pay 20% percent of the overpass, would still make it better for them in timing. Sheldon McConkie thought the job could still be considered one project, even though we have two separate bids.

Commissioner Weston said part of his decision to support this project as an Enhancements project is the ability of this project to rise above other things in the state which are very worthy, and the amount of participation by the University gives it some high leverage. If this two-contract arrangement can be made under one project it makes it more palatable to him.

Dave Miles noted John Quick would normally have been in attendance to discuss the Enhancement project, but he was, coincidentally, out of town attending a seminar on Enhancements. He indicated that Mr. Quick did endorse the project. Mr. Miles added that he had an opportunity to look at this situation when he was in Traffic and Safety and studied the need for the pedestrian crossings and it was the recommendation that the Department consider pedestrian overpasses at the location because there appeared to be a need. He agreed with Commissioner Weston's comments that a traffic signal should not be placed at the intersection.

Commissioner Weston said his support of this project would be contingent upon USU's agreement to do all the maintenance, including lighting, security and policing--actual campus police--monitoring those crossings and citing violators. Representative Hunsaker said they would have security cameras feeding into campus security and they will monitor the tunnels and overpass; he affirmed they would accept that responsibility. Mr. Morse added the campus police are fully behind the project, as well as Logan City Police.

Commissioner Weston said he felt the Enhancements Committee does an excellent job reviewing and recommending projects and he again referred to this project bypassing the normal process. He asked Commissioner Lewis how he felt about this project, since he sat on the Enhancements Committee. Commissioner Lewis stated while there is a great deal of latitude in projects for Enhancements funds, he feels where we have safety needs which we can use Enhancements funds on without necessarily depriving some of the trails and bike paths which we want to develop, that is entirely appropriate and he would prefer to do that. He personally was reluctant to fund too many projects which are mostly historical in nature when funds are sorely needed for safety-related projects. He felt this project was a good use of the Enhancements funds as they were intended, and also solves a problem we might not otherwise be able to solve. Chairman Brown agreed that was his rationale.

Commissioner Weston made a motion to combine the one pedestrian overpass and three underpasses to cross US-89 at Utah State University as one Enhancements project for $1.2 million, with Utah State University providing $700,000 for construction of the three underpasses as their match for $500,000 in Enhancements funds for construction of the one overpass; further that Utah State University accept responsibility for complete maintenance, lighting, utilities, power cost, and security of the overpass and underpasses. Commissioner Clyde seconded the motion. Representative Hunsaker reaffirmed USU was willing to accept all responsibility for maintenance, utilities and security on the underpasses and overpass as stipulated by the Commission.

Representative Hunsaker then asked who would take the lead on actual construction. Mr. Morse said they would be glad to manage the project. At present they have a consultant for design of the underpasses, but are using Region 1 staff to review the plans. They would be glad to do the overpass that same way. If UDOT needs to administer the project because of federal funds they would be happy to work that way. Dyke indicated UDOT would have to assign a project engineer to the project, but we would not have to manage the contract; we could have the university do that.

Clint said there are two other ways the project could be managed. It could be handled like all other Enhancements projects and the university would work through Dan Julio, UDOT's Local Government Projects Engineer. The university would be responsible to hire someone to do the design of the overpass and would sign a cooperative agreement with us which allowed them to build the overpass over our highway and that they would maintain it. If they did it that way they would be responsible for the 20% match, or $400,000 would come from Enhancements funds and USU would provide the $100,000 match to total the $500,000 for the overpass project.
< br>Another way of doing it is make it a UDOT Enhancements project, with Region 1 being the sponsor. Our Region would do the design and would advertise the project, and we would need to sign a cooperative agreement with the university that they would maintain it after it was completed. Under that scenario UDOT would pay the $100,000 match.

Dyke stated if the underpasses and overpass are combined into one project the federal funds regulations and pay scales would apply to the work on the underpasses even if they are bid separately. Don Steinke agreed that is a problem with the motion that has been made. The entire project would be for $1.2 million with $500,000 of that being federal contribution.

Mr. Morse said he felt to make this situation work it would be best to separate the projects. Only the overpass would be considered as an Enhancements project for a total of $500,000; they will provide the 20% match or $100,000 and $400,000 will be Enhancements funds. USU will construct the three underpasses totally separately with state funds. Representative Hunsaker confirmed they were prepared to do that.

Commissioner Weston amended his motion that the Enhancements project be approved for a pedestrian overpass at 700 East and 400 North (US-89) in Logan for a total cost of $500,000; $400,000 to come from Enhancements funds and $100,000 (20%) match coming from Utah State University. Commissioner Clyde seconded the amended motion and it passed unanimously that:

Approval of Enhancements Project, Pedestrian Overpass at 700 East 400 North (US-89) at Utah State University in Logan, sponsored by Utah State University, in the amount of $400,000, with $100,000 match (20%) coming from the sponsor.

Clint asked the Commission how they would like to handle the issue of UDOT's policy concerning pedestrian overpasses which indicates we will not participate more than 50% of the cost of overpasses on existing alignments.

A separate motion was made by Commissioner Larkin to suspend UDOT Policy No. 11-122 on Pedestrian Overpasses as an exception to this project. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Lewis. Sheldon McConkie commented the exception was fine, but the Commission had certainly not violated the spirit of the policy since USU was spending more than 50% of the cost of this total improvement in the area. The Commission agreed that was why they felt justified in doing it, and proper consideration had been given to the match requirement in the policy. A vote was called for on the motion and it passed unanimously that:

Approval of suspension of Policy No. 11-122, School Pedestrian Overpass Structures, as an exception to the Enhancements Project for a Pedestrian Overpass at 700 East 400 North (US-89) at Utah State University in Logan.

Project No. 1, Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail State Park, Sponsored by the Department of Natural Resources
Chairman Brown explained that action on the Union Pacific Rail Trail State Park project had been deferred from the May 13 Commission Meeting because he wanted some additional information on it. He had concerns about how user friendly the project would be to adjacent property owners. He indicated in the meantime he has been contacted by State Parks and they had a meeting and came to an understanding on dealing with the issue.

Commissioner Lewis made a motion to approve the project for $184,000 in Enhancements funds, with a $35,000 match from the County and $11,000 match from Parks and Recreation. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Larkin and it passed unanimously that:

Approval of Project No. 1, Historic Union Pacific Rail Trail State Park, sponsored by the Department of Natural Resources, in the amount of $184,000, and with a $35,000 match from Summit County and $11,000 match from Parks and Recreation (total 20% match).

Annual Forest Highway Program
Chairman Brown welcomed the gentlemen who were present to address the Annual Forest Highway Program and asked Don Steinke to introduce them. He introduced, from the Denver Federal Highway Administration, Central Federal Highway Development office, Larry Klockenteger, Planning and Programming Engineer; and Dave Gedeon, Design Project Engineer; from the U. S. Forest Service, Ogden office, Director of Engineering John Lupis, and Transportation Planning Engineer Bill Schnelle.

Mr. Klockenteger, distributed a handout and discussed in general the FHWA Federal Lands Highway Program, and more specifically the Public Lands Forest Highway Program.

The Federal Lands Highway Program is a three-tier program of:

1. Public Lands Highways Program
   
2. National Park Roads and Parkways Program
   
3. Indian Reservation Roads Program

The Public Lands Highways Program is divided into two parts: 66% of that program is allocated to the states, and that is the Forest Highway Program; 34% of the Program is the Discretionary Program which is allocated to state or FHWA by application of the state. He noted Utah had received Discretionary Funds for the Wolf Creek Pass Road.

The Parkway Roads Program is allocated to the Federal Lands Highway Program and they build the roads in the National Park System with those funds. At present there is a project in Bryce Canyon for $8 million, and soon they will have a project in Bullfrog Basin, and next year there will be one in Arches.

The Indian Reservation Roads Program funds are allocated to the Bureau of Indian Affairs for use on Indian reservations.

He indicated the chart on his handout listed the approximate annual funding in the individual programs.

He explained in more detail the Public Lands Highways Program and the formula for allocation to the states. Utah right now receives about $3.5 million per year from the allocated or Forest Highway Program. He noted the ten states listed on the chart on page 2 of his handout were the states administered by the FHWA Central Federal Lands Division and they operate about a $40 million/year program. He continued that under the Public Lands Discretionary Program the individual state makes application for the funding. He noted Utah is one of 11 states in the nation that have at least three percent of their total land area federally owned, and those states are given preference for Discretionary Funds when they make application.

Chairman Brown asked how the Public Lands Projects are administered; do they do it, or do they contract with the states. Mr. Klockenteger said his office does the design and administers the projects.

Mr. Klockenteger said they met yesterday with UDOT staff, local FHWA staff, and U. S. Forest Service staff to discuss Utah's Forest Highway Program. They are recommending that work continue on the 23 miles of SR-35 (Forest Highway 5), Wolf Creek Pass project. They believe they can get the remaining 17 miles of grading and 23 miles of paving out in three more projects, including one this year. This year's project is for nine miles of grading and would involve $2.1 million of the Forest Highway Funds and $5.4 million of the Discretionary Funds, which has already been received. The nine miles would go from the east end of the existing project at M.P. 9.4 over the pass and down to the Forest boundary on the east side.

In 1995 they propose to do the grading on the very west end from M.P. 0 up to the first project at M.P. 4, then they propose to pave the entire west side. The last project would be the grading on the east end of the project from M.P. 18 to M.P. 23 and paving the entire east side. Hopefully they will have the budget to complete this work by the end of 1997.

He continued that they are also supportive of continued work on the second project in their long-range plan which is the Sevenmile-Gooseberry project. That is a Sevier County road which runs from I-70 towards Fish Lake. They are in preliminary design on it right now and they expect the first project will be awarded in 1997. He indicated they had improved two other roads in that area, the Fremont River project and the Fish Lake project.

They also recommended that some on-the-shelf projects be established which can be accomplished quickly to fill in between now and 1997; some that would be environmentally clean. They suggest to have a Forest Highway Tour this year to look at some of the locations they are proposing and will accept other nominations also for those quick projects. The locations they are proposing include:

1. SR-31 (FH-7) Fairview to Huntington, restoration and rehabilitation
   [lo]SR-29 (FH-8) Ephraim to Orangeville, restoration and rehabilitation
   
2. FH-49 Monticello to Newspaper Rock, paving newly-graded portion
   
3. FH-46 LaSal Mountain Loop Road, restoration and rehabilitation
   
4. SR-153 (FH-29) Beaver to Junction, paving sections
   
5. Mammoth Creek Road, paving sections in Garfield and Kane County (this road is not yet on the Forest Highway System)

Mr. Klockenteger indicated if the Commission would like to propose other routes for consideration of a project he had included a list of Forest Highway routes in Utah which are presently approved on their system.

Clint Topham reported that from the Department's standpoint the meeting with the Forest Service and FHWA was very beneficial. They concurred with Mr. Klockenteger's comments and recommendations, and also felt it was important to have a Forest Highway Tour so the Commissioners could see the roads first-hand and get a feel for what they would like to recommend.

Clint also noted that receiving Discretionary Funds sometimes isn't any real additional monies, because that same amount is then deducted from our Hold Harmless funds if we are to receive any, so one just offsets the other. But we are in a position where we are almost assured of getting $6 million a year in Discretionary Funds and staff feels we should take advantage of that.

There was discussion with Commission and staff on dates and locations for the Forest Highway Tour. It was set for Thursday and Friday, September 15-16 in the Beaver, Cedar, Dixie National Forest area. It was also noted that travel to the location should be done Wednesday afternoon/evening, September 14, so the actual tour could begin early Thursday morning.

Mr. Klockenteger announced that Mr. Jerry Budwig who had been the Division Engineer for the Federal Highway Development Office for over twenty years has now taken over their newly- established office in Russia. His replacement in Denver will be Larry Smith.

Planning and Programming - Airport Improvement Projects
Phil Ashbaker reported there were a total of nine airport projects for the Commission's consideration. The first six are airports controlled by Salt Lake International Airport and there are no State funds involved in them; the final three projects do have State funds.

The first project is at the Tooele Valley Airport for replacement of the existing farm-type fences with standard chain link airport security fencing around the perimeter of the airport. The total project cost is $308,150 shared 90% by federal funds and 10% by Salt Lake International.

The second project is also at Tooele Valley Airport for acquisition of land for clear zones, object free zones and safety areas in the vicinity of the runway. The cost is $953,700 shared 90% federal and 10% local.

The third project is again at the Tooele Valley Airport. It is for straightening a portion of the parallel taxiway that runs too close to the runway to met federal aviation standards. It is being moved to meet clearance criteria. The cost is $269,600 shared jointly federal and local.

The fourth project is at Salt Lake Airport II for construction of a parallel taxiway and helipad. This again is movement of a portion of taxiway because of clearance requirements, plus construction of a helipad in the vicinity of the airport. The cost is $985,500 of federal and local money.

The fifth project is also at Salt Lake Airport II. They have a requirement to construct more hangar space. This project involves constructing a taxiway to connect that new hangar area with the primary taxiway, plus construction of some ramps in the new hangar area. None of these funds will be spent on the actual hangar construction. The project cost is $373,800 of federal and local money.

The sixth project is at the Salt Lake International Airport. Because of construction of the new runway which is west of 40th West, portions of 40th West will have to be moved and it will require underpasses beneath some of the taxiway. Davis County didn't want 40th West closed. This project is for construction of the 40th West undercrossing structure for a cost of $13,555,758 with federal and local money. It was noted 40th West is a State highway--the Bangerter Highway--as far north as I-80, but north of I-80 it goes into the Airport and the road is a Salt Lake City street.

Commissioner Lewis moved for approval of the six aeronautical projects as presented. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Larkin and it passed unanimously that:

Heber Valley Airport project approved for construction of security fencing around perimeter of airport, for a total project cost of $308,150 - Federal $279,276 and local $28,874; and

Heber Valley Airport project approved for land acquisition for clear zones and safety areas in the vicinity of the runway, for a total project cost of $953,700 - Federal $762,960 and local $190,740; and

Heber Valley Airport project approved for construction of a new portion of the parallel taxiway which runs too close to the runway to met federal aviation standards, for a total project cost of $269,600 - Federal $244,338 and local $25,262; and

Salt Lake Airport II project approved for construction of a parallel taxiway which is situated too close to the runway, and construction of a helipad, for a total project cost of $985,500 - Federal $893,158 and local $92,342; and

Salt Lake Airport II project approved for construction of a taxiway to connect a new hangar area with the primary taxiway, plus construction of some ramps in the new hangar area, for a total project cost of $373,800 - Federal $338,775 and local $35,025; and

Salt Lake International Airport project approved for construction of the 40th West undercrossing structure beneath the new runway taxiway, for a total project cost of $13,555,758 - Federal $13,555,285 and local $1,270,175.

The seventh project is at the Carbon County Airport. Phil noted the request had been for a total project which would be done in two phases, so the dollar amounts had been changed to indicate the cost of the phase I work which were items 1, 2, 5 and 6 in the description. That work is for grading and drainage of a runway extension on their primary runway, safety area grading for the primary runway, construction of new fencing and movement of fencing as the safety areas increase, and installation of a new electrical vault for the runway lighting system and relocation of a power line off the north end of the runway to compensate for the runway extension. The project cost will be $1,080,582, with the State's portion being 4.53% or $48,859.79.

Commissioner Lewis moved to approve the Carbon County Airport project as presented, it was seconded by Commissioner Clyde and passed unanimously that:

Carbon County Airport project approved for grading and drainage for runway extension, safety area grading and drainage, construction of new fencing and movement of fencing for expanded safety area, installation of a new electrical vault for runway lighting system and relocation of a power line, for a total project cost of $1,080,582 - Federal $982,863, State and local $48,859.79 each.

Phil said the last two projects are for system planning programs. We have in the state a continuous airport system planning process which continues year to year to keep future plans for all the airports in the state updated. The airports in the Wasatch Front area from Provo to Brigham City are planned by the Wasatch Front Regional Council, and the remainder of the airports in the state are done by our UDOT Planning Division.

The eighth project is the Metropolitan Area System Plan supervised by the Wasatch Front Regional Council for their Fiscal Year 95 program. The project cost is $102,236 with $4,632 of State funds.

Commissioner Lewis moved to approve the project as presented, it was seconded by Commissioner Clyde and passed unanimously that:

Metropolitan System Airport Improvement Program for FY-95, administered by the Wasatch Front Regional Council, approved for a total project cost of $102,236 - Federal $92,973, State $4,632, and local $4,631.

The final project is for the continuous system plan done by the State Planning Division managed by Monte Yeager. It encompasses the remainder of the airports in the state not included in the metropolitan area. The cost for FY-95 is $227,047 with $20,570 of State funds. Phil noted this figure is larger than for the metropolitan plan because it includes three airport layout plan updates in the state that are being handled by the Planning Department and the contracts are being let at this time.

Commissioner Clyde move to approve the project, it was seconded by Commissioner Larkin and passed unanimously that:

Utah Continuous Airport System Plan for FY-95 approved for a total project cost of $227,047 - Federal $206,477 and State $20,570.

Chairman Brown said they had an issue come up on the Community Impact Board yesterday for an airport improvement at Bryce Canyon in Garfield County because of congestion problems. He said he asked them why they didn't go through State Aeronautics for funding and they indicated the list was so long for funding it would take too long to get it. Phil replied that airport does have a major project that will be funded this year to expand their ramp and for airplane parking for $224,000. Phil said he didn't know what other things they were requesting but if it was for additional parking for cars we don't fund that.

Recess Called

Chairman Brown called a recess for one hour in order for the Commission to meet with the Transportation Committee of the Wasatch Front Regional Council. The meeting recessed at 12:00 Noon and resumed at 1:00 p.m. Commissioner Lewis was excused from the remainder of the meeting.

Planning and Programming - Increase in Funding
2700 North Corridor Study, Weber County

Dyke LeFevre reported the Legislature appropriated $250,000 for a study of the 2700 North Corridor in Weber County from I-15 to Washington Boulevard. The Region 1 office has indicated the study will actually cost $350,000 and are requesting an increase in funding of $l00,000.

There was considerable discussion about the project and the increased cost. Chairman Brown asked what could not be accomplished if the increase was not approved. Dyke replied that we are trying to develop the EIS on the project and comparing the types of studies done on comparable projects the $350,000 cost was established. Chairman Brown said he would like to turn the request down this time to see if we can accomplish all the studies we need with the $250,000.

Dave Miles stated when you get a consultant to do this work you negotiate what you want done and the consultant will tell you what it will cost. If it will cost more than you have, then you must trim back what you have them do.

No action was taken by the Commission on the request for the $100,000 increase in funding for the 2700 North Corridor Study; the funding remains at $250,000.

Planning and Programming - Increase in Funding
STP-1008(6)0, Antelope Drive, from I-15 to SR-232 in Layton
Dyke stated we would like to start a study on Antelope Drive from I-15 to SR-232, which is Hill Field Road. We will be taking right-of-way through there and we need to do environmental studies of the area.

Clint explained this is a project on the program. Normally when a project is in the concept development phase we allow the district to bring a concept development study forward. Of the projects which have concept development studies done on them, the next year we decide which ones will advance into the three year program, then the district or region can advance that project through design. Occasionally the regions will indicate they have a particular project they need to get started before it is on the three year program because it will have more environmental problems and will take longer to clear.

This particular project is on the Wasatch Front Regional Council's list of projects they've approved, so they actually program the money for it. Staff is recommending the Commission allow money to be spent on a project which is already in our program but a year ahead of when we would normally do it.

Commissioner Clyde moved to approve the $200,000 funding as requested. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Larkin and passed unanimously that:

Approval of request for $200,000 in STP funds on Project STP-0108(6)0, Antelope Drive, I-15 to SR-232 in Layton.

Planning and Programming - Increase in Funding
STP-0265(2)1, SR-265 (1300 South-University Parkway), I-15 NB Ramp to 550 West, Provo
Dave Miles explained this project is a hazard elimination project on University Parkway in Provo. It was originally established with the original limits based on accident records. As the project developed, Region 3 came back and asked that it be considered they extend the project limits to include additional intersections for rotomilling, crack sealing and resurfacing. When they re-evaluated the benefit cost ratio they found it actually increased by including that. The proposal has already been submitted to the FHWA and they have approved including the additional mileage in the hazard elimination project, but it will take Commission action to approve the $327,000 increase in funding.

Commissioner Clyde moved to approve the increase as recommended. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Larkin and it passed unanimously that:

Increase of $327,000 in STP funds approved on Project STP-0265(2)1, SR-265 (1300 South-University Parkway), I-15 NB Ramp to 550 West, Provo, added to the $440,000 already approved, for a total project cost of $767,000.

Planning and Programming
Cache MPO Projects
Dave Miles explained the Cache Metropolitan Planning Organization was requesting funding of $100,000 for preliminary engineering for design and environmental concerns on three approved projects; $50,000 for the PE on SR-91 and Providence Lane, and on SR-91 and SR-237 (Hyde Park Lane), and another $50,000 for the PE on the SR-30 Park and Ride Lot west of Logan.

Clint explained that normally the Commission would approve the CMPO's TIP as part of our STIP, but Cache is a bit out of sequence because they are just getting started. These projects will be submitted later this year in a TIP, but they wanted to get started on the preliminary engineering on these three projects now. Staff is recommending the funding be approved.

Commissioner Weston said they are getting comments from citizens that the park and ride lot is being placed in the wrong location, but maybe that will be looked at and resolved in the preliminary engineering.

Commissioner Weston moved to approve the funding as requested. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Clyde and it passed unanimously that:

Approval of $100,000 in State Funds for preliminary engineering on three projects as follows: $50,000 for PE on SR-91 and Providence Lane, and SR-91 and SR-237 (Hyde Park Lane); and $50,000 for PE on the SR-30 Park and Ride Lot west of Logan.

Director Zwick suggested the Commission may want to include in their motion that additional locations should be considered for the park and ride lot as part of the study to make certain the best site is selected. Clint commented it is a federal requirement that on the environmental clearance all reasonable alternatives have to be considered.

Commissioner Weston said it wouldn't hurt to reiterate that. He made a second motion that those doing the study on the SR-30 Park and Ride Lot look at all possible sites for location. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Larkin and received an affirmative vote from Chairman Brown and a negative vote from Commissioner Clyde, so the motion carried that:

Preliminary Engineering studies on SR-30 Park and Ride lot west of Logan to include study of all reasonable sites for location.

I-80, Toll (Tollgate) Canyon Bridge Repair
Dave Christensen explained the Toll Canyon structure (locally known as Tollgate Canyon) over I-80 in Summit County has been hit by vehicles several times on the westbound side in the past, and on the eastbound side just recently and has been damaged. We have met with the insurance companies on the job site and they have agreed with what we want to do to repair the structure. The reason for coming to the Commission is that staff wants to expand the project by including installation of a waterproofing membrane and an asphalt wearing surface over the deck and then paint the girders on the existing structure. That is a betterment and would not be covered by the insurance costs and would require State funding in the amount of $90,000.

Dave wanted to point out that there is a proposed project for realigning I-80 from Silver Creek Junction to Wanship and if that project were done it would eliminate the need for this structure. However, the right-of-way is still held in a rail bank and it is presently being used as the Rail Trail State Park and is being improved for pedestrian/bicycle traffic, but the right is reserved to use that as railroad right-of-way. With that stipulation, Structures doesn't feel that realignment of I-80 will be a viable project within the next 15 to 20 years so they feel the additional funds for betterment of the structure to extend the life of it is justified.

There was a lengthy discussion about the section of highway, the need for improvement, the various design options and the problems associated with each.

Dave Miles indicated we have made some commitments about getting the Toll Canyon structure reopened. Two of the girders are badly damaged so we have concrete barriers across it and have it restricted to one-lane traffic and posted prohibiting heavy trucks.

Commissioner Larkin moved to approve the $90,000 in State funds for improvement of the Toll Canyon bridge as requested to extend the life of the bridge. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Clyde and passed unanimously that:

Approval of $90,000 in State funds for installation of waterproofing membrane and asphalt wearing surface on bridge deck of I-80, Toll Canyon Bridge in Summit County; to be included when repairs are made to damaged girders which cost is to be paid by insurance companies.

Right-of-Way Advance Acquisition - Bangerter Highway
Bob Fox reported we have identified the corridor where the Bangerter Highway will intersect I-15 at the south end of the valley. Unfortunately it goes right through an improved industrial park that has been approved by Draper City. He noted we discovered the property owners are starting to build there because one of the owners is a neighbor of Dave Miles and he approached us with buying him out now before he constructs his building.

Bob is requesting funds for an advance acquisition to purchase this property at the location of the I-15/Bangerter Highway Interchange. The appraisal for the property is $225,000. He indicated the Commission should be aware that there are several other properties in the same location which will also need to be acquired.

There was discussion about the $10 million appropriated by the Legislature for construction of the Bangerter Highway south of 9000 South and it was determined it would be appropriate to use those funds for acquisition of this right-of-way.

John Monson said explained there is a specific amount of money left from prior years plus this year's money for the Bangerter Highway. The last estimate Programming had from Region 2 was the Bangerter Highway from 9000 South to 12600 South would be broken into three different sections for construction. Right now the Region feels there is enough money to buy all the right-of-way to 12600 South and to build the first two sections. If we use those funds for right-of-way acquisition further south obviously that will take funds away from completing construction on those two sections.

Chairman Brown asked Bob to determine if the industrial property at the interchange location was part of a redevelopment agency because if it is an RDA he would be uncomfortable spending money for property that may have given to these people from a taxing entity. Bob agreed he would check that out, but his understanding was that it was a new industrial park.

Staff and Commission also discussed how long we had known where this interchange would be located--Dyke indicated we have known for 18 months where the interchange was going to be located. Draper City's approval of this industrial park makes this right-of-way acquisition extremely expensive. There should be better coordination between our Department and the local governments. Sheldon said Draper's Mayor used to serve as Chairman of the Wasatch Front Regional Council and knew this interchange was going in and they should have contacted us. We should write to them indicating our displeasure.

Director Zwick said he felt Sheldon made a very good suggestion and on behalf of the staff they could prepare a letter to Draper City. The Mayors of Draper and Sandy in recent discussions with Director Zwick have talked about the project. They would want that highway to continue on east and they recognize the impact of cost. A letter from us would give them added strength with their own planners to step up and stop these kinds of problems from occurring. We need to take a very proactive role right now to make sure they understand how their actions affect the ultimate costs and their opportunities for extension of the highway east of I-15.

Commissioner Larkin made a motion that staff prepare a letter to the cities of Draper and Sandy as discussed; further to approve acquisition of the right-of-way as requested with funds from the $10 million allocation from the Legislature. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Clyde and it passed unanimously that:

Approval of right-of-way acquisition, Parcel No. 4, Project SP-0154, Bangerter Highway/I-15 Interchange, located at 13615 South west side frontage road of I-15, Draper, from owner Pony Express Ltd. Partnership, in the amount of $225,000, and that funds from $10 million Legislative appropriation be utilized. Further stipulated that staff prepare a letter to the cities of Draper and Sandy outlining the necessity of coordination to control and monitor development in corridor areas.

Chairman Brown thought it would be appropriate to report this information back to the Interim Transportation Committee just to keep them aware of what is happening and that we are spending funds beyond where we had projected on the Highway, and that we are doing it because we feel it will only become more costly to wait. It was determined that a copy of the letter which would go to Draper and Sandy cities should be sent to the members of the Interim Transportation Committee for their information. Clint indicated they would also report to the Committee.

Dyke stated that in all fairness to the cities it should be noted there has always been two locations discussed for this interchange. However, Draper did know this area was one of those locations. The environmental process breeds this kind of problem.

John Monson suggested that Planning set up a unique number for right-of-way acquisitions beyond 12600 South and each of the acquisitions on this section should be treated as a hardship case and should come to the Commission for approval. He didn't think there should be an op en door to just purchase the right-of-way there like we normally purchase right of way; we need to keep track of it so we will know how much of the funding is being utilized there. Chairman Brown agreed.

Bob Fox summarized they were asking him to determine how many parcels and what the estimated cost would be, and Chairman Brown affirmed that was correct. Bob guessed it would probably be around $1 million for the right-of-way in that particular area, but that will be a real savings to us to purchase it now rather than later.

Speed Limits in Cache County
Clint explained we had an issue start concerning speed limits when we reconstructed SR-165 through Nibley. At the time we held the hearings on the project there was a concern about the speed limit which was going to be on the new road. We told them at that time the speed limit would be determine by the speed of the traffic on the road. That was not well received by the locals. We constructed the road and established the speed limit, and we received serious opposition to it, including from the legislature. Representative Olsen, in particular, was very concerned about the fact we did not have any variance in our policy on the speed limits. Therefore, we adopted Policy 11-121, Establishment of Speed Limits on State Highway, which allows us to lower the speed limit on a state highways below what the 85th percentile is for a trial period to let the local police patrol the area and try lower the speed of traffic. Technically, our studies have shown that the speed limit signs make very little difference; people travel at whatever speed they are comfortable.

Clint continued we utilized this variance in the city of Nibley and posted an artificially low speed limit there. The officials in Nibley also asked us at the time if we were picking on them, or had we looked at the other cities in Cache County. We actually had not looked at other cities, so we did a traffic study along SR-23 particularly to the Idaho line, and we found some communities where the posted speed limit was too low, including Newton City.

We have adopted by Administrative Rule--which makes it law--that we must set the speed limit by the 85th percentile, but we do have a policy which allows us to deviate from that a bit. As engineers in the department, they feel we have no choice but to raise the speed limit to what it should be according to law. He said staff would like the Commission's advice on this policy.

There was a very lengthy discussion about the policy, about raising the speed limit in Newton City and letters of protest, including one from First Lady Jacalyn Leavitt. There was also discussion about the need for a policy to prohibit cities setting their own speed limits on state highways to eliminate the possibility of speed traps.

Dyke explained the situation in Newton City. The Department was going to raise the speed limit from 30 MPH to 35 MPH through Newton, but following a public meeting has determined instead to post a transition speed zone of 45 MPH between the existing 55 MPH zone approaching town and the 30 MPH zone through town to see if that will effectively slow traffic enough to comply with the speed limit. UDOT will monitor the situation for six months and if traffic is not complying we will raise the speed limit. However, if we find by raising the speed limit the traffic speed also increases we may consider lowering the speed limit again because our purpose is not to raise the speed of traffic, but to set the speed limit at the speed which most traffic travels so the motorists are not breaking the law.

Ogden Canyon/J. L. Blamires Property
Commissioner Clyde said he had received a letter from Mr. J. L. Blamires who owns some property in Ogden Canyon and who contends the Department owes him reimbursement for repairs he has made to his fence which has been damaged numerous times by cars hitting it. He feels the accidents may be due to UDOT's failure to install and maintain sufficient barriers.

The matter has been referred to Loss Control and also the Attorney General's Office for review. Clint indicated Mr. Blamires fence was constructed on property that is probably owned by us by prescriptive easement. Dyke agreed that had been researched and his fence does encroach a few feet into our prescriptive right-of-way. There was additional discussion and it was determined the matter would be further discussed at a future Commission Update meeting when more information was available from Loss Control and the Attorney General's Office.

Clean Air Act
Commissioner Clyde said he wanted to report there was a very heated discussion at the Wasatch Front Regional Council meeting he had recently attended about the clean air regulations they are being required to live by. He noted Diane Gibson and Fred Bradford representing the Clean Air Act were there to hear the comments, and the Commissioner personally was not very satisfied with their answers. There was discussion about the clean air act.

Next Commission Meetings

The next Commission Meetings were set as follows:

• June 17, 1994 at 9:00 a.m. in Salt Lake City, immediately followed by a Commission Update meeting with UDOT executive staff
  
• July 1, 1994 at 9:00 a.m. in Kanab
  
• August 5, 1994 at a location in northern Utah which will be determined later
  
• September 9, 1994 at 9:00 a.m. in Vernal.

[Secretary's Note: After adjournment of Commission Meeting, it was subsequently determined the location of the July 1 meeting set for Kanab would be held at Loa at 9:00 a.m. instead.]

It was restated the Forest Highway Tour was set for Thursday and Friday, September 15-16, 1994 in the Beaver, Cedar, Dixie National Forest area.

The meeting adjourned at 3:20 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
Shirley J. Iverson, Commission Secretary
W. Craig Zwick, Executive Director
Clinton D. Topham, Deputy Director
Kathy Davis, Administrative Assistant
Neal F. Christensen, Administrative Services Group Leader
David K. Miles, Program Development Engineer
Doug Anderson, Engineer for Planning
John Monson, Planning & Programming
Bob Hulick, Planning & Programming
George Thompson, Engineer for Programming
Kim Schvaneveldt, Project Development Engineer
L. Robert Fox, Chief, Right of Way Division
Sheldon W. McConkie, Operations Engineer
David Christensen, Structures
Tom A. Smith, Construction Engineer
Arthur R. Chidester, Construction
Jane Casper, Construction
Hugh Kirkham, Construction
Kim N. Morris, Director, Community Relations
Phillip N. Ashbaker, Director of Aeronautics
Stephen C. Reitz, Internal Auditor
Mario Blanco, Civil Rights
Dee H. Lynn, Civil Rights
Lois Ann Lynn, Spouse
Charles K. Larson, Civil Rights
Dave Burton, Information Systems Services
Ron Stringham, Information Systems Services
Dyke M. LeFevre, Region 1 Director
Lynn R. Zollinger, Region 1 Assistant Director
Cindy Zollinger, Spouse
Sheryn Burton, Region 1 Administrative Manager
Connie Simmons, Region 1
Dennis J. Simper, Region 1
Gene Sturzenegger, Region 2 Director
Duane Christensen, Region 2 Construction Engineer
Dana Meier, Region 2 Maintenance Engineer
John Maurer, Region 2
John Leonard, Region 2 Traffic Engineer
Wanda Silver, Region 2
Boyd Fronk, Region 2 Area Supervisor
Richard Miller, Region 2 Resident Engineer
Kent Wilde, Region 2 Construction
Verl Ahlstrom, Region 2 Area Supervisor
Edward V. Chapman, Region 2 Maintenance
Abdul Rashidi, Region 2
C. Dick Patten, Region 2
Alan W. Mecham, Region 3 Director
Ahmad Jaber, Region 3 Preconstruction Engineer
Charlie Howard, Region 3
Kathy Howard, Spouse
J. R. Chamberlain, Roadway Design
Scott Munson, Cedar City District
Maxine Munson, Spouse
Don Steinke, Division Administrator, FHWA
Denis Yoggerst, Governor's Office of Planning & Budget
Wendell Morse, Utah State University
Fred R. Hunsaker, Utah House of Representatives/Utah State University
Dave Gedeon, FHWA, Federal Lands Highway Development, Denver
Larry Klockenteger, FHWA, Federal Lands Highway Development, Denver
John Lupis, U. S. Forest Service, Ogden
Bill Schnelle, U. S. Forest Service, Ogden
Rick Brough, KPCW Radio, Park City