Latest Updates

Jul 14, 2017

Board Minutes 02/13/2017

Download .pdf version

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MEETING MINUTES

February 13, 2017

Osage Centre – Cape Girardeau, MO

Board Voting Members Present:

Mr. Drew Christian, Southeast Missouri Regional Planning & Economic Development

Commission (SEMO RPC)(appointed alternate for Chauncy Buchheit)

Mr. Dwain Hahs, City of Jackson

Mr. Scott Meyer, City of Cape Girardeau

Mr. Mark Phillips, Cape Special Road District

Mr. Harry Rediger, City of Cape Girardeau

Mr. Jim Roach, City of Jackson

Board Non-Voting Members Present:    

Mr. Tom Mogelnicki, Cape Girardeau County Transit Authority (CTA)

Technical Planning Committee (TPC) Members Present:   

Mr. David Blalock, Bootheel Regional Planning Commission

Mr. Rodney Bollinger, City of Jackson

Mr. John Mehner, Cape Girardeau Area MAGNET

Mr. Brian Okenfuss, Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT)

Staff Present:

Ms. Molly Hood, City of Cape Girardeau

Mr. Ryan Shrimplin, City of Cape Girardeau

Mrs. Kelly Green, KLG Engineering

Call to Order

Vice Chairman Rediger called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m.

Introductions

The group went around the room, with each person giving a brief introduction.

Public Comments

There were no public comments.

Adoption of Agenda

The agenda of the February 13, 2017 Board of Directors Meeting was unanimously approved upon motion made by Mr. Meyer and seconded by Mr. Hahs.

Approval of Minutes

The minutes of the December 21, 2016 Board of Directors Meeting were unanimously approved upon motion made by Mr. Roach and seconded by Mr. Phillips.

Communications from the Vice Chairman

Vice Chairman Rediger informed the Board that the City of Cape Girardeau’s Independence Street Sidewalk – Gordonville Road/East Rodney Drive to Cape LaCroix Trail Project was awarded a TAP grant.

New/Unfinished Business

  • Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan

Mrs. Green discussed the revised proposal submitted by Lochmueller Group.  The revisions included more detailed information pertaining to the scope as requested by the TPC.  Additionally, Lochmueller adjusted the schedule to include appropriate public participation time.  There were no additional comments or concerns brought forth by the Board.  Mr. Shrimplin explained that the next step will be to issue a Task Order for the plan.

  • MoDOT Shouldering Needs Request

Mr. Okenfuss explained that MO-PP and MO-D in Jackson have been approved to be added to the Scoping Section of the Draft STIP.  These improvements would be made in FY18.  He added that MO-25 was also requested to be included on the Shouldering Needs List.  Although this is a higher priority project, it is a larger project that will take more time in the scoping phase.  Mr. Hahs asked if shoulders wider than two feet could be considered on the portion of MO-PP in the city limits in exchange for no shoulder work on MO-D.  Mr. Okenfuss stated he would look into this as an option.  Mr. Mehner suggested six to eight feet due to the amount of truck traffic.  Mr. Okenfuss stated that he would pass this onto the Planning Department.  All parties agreed that this particular route warrants more discussion.

  • MoDOT Scoping STIP

Mr. Okenfuss discussed the Planning Partners Meeting that was held in Sikeston on February 9, 2017.  He stated that due to changes in the forecasting methodology, there is $10 million to $12 million per year in excess funds available to the Southeast District.  During the Planning Partners Meeting, the RPCs and SEMPO discussed possible projects for MoDOT’s consideration.  MoDOT’s intent is to review the discussed projects, choose some of the projects for the Scoping Phase, and then determine if the projects could be constructed during FY19.

  • FTA – State of Good Repair Performance Targets Due

Discussion was postponed because Mrs. Eva Voss was not available for guidance pertaining to the FTA required targets. Mr. Christian explained that one of the performance measures focuses on the number of accidents and fatalities within the MPO boundary.

  • Contingency Project/Needs List

Mr. Shrimplin explained that the TPC had elected not to prioritize the projects.  The list has been updated to reflect changes in project scope, as requested. Staff will continue to update the list as needed.

Member Reports

Mr. Meyer reported that the City of Cape Girardeau’s Veterans Memorial Drive Phase 5 project is still underway.  The City is modifying its wayfinding signage for the new Cape Sportsplex.  This will involve contacting MoDOT to discuss signs on the state maintained routes.  Also, the downtown sidewalk replacement project has begun.  The contractor will have road closures per block and the contractor has been given 6 weeks to complete each block.

Mr. Hahs reported that if the Jackson School District’s bond issue passes, then there could be significant traffic changes.  Additionally, the City is working to obtain donations for planter projects that would be completed along MO-34.  Mr. Roach clarified that although the City would prefer wider shoulders on MO-PP, two foot wide shoulders is better than not having any shoulders at all.

Mr. Phillips stated the Cape Special Road District will be requesting bids for its asphalt overlay project soon.  The project will include 2-3 miles of overlay.  Old Hopper Rd, Kage Rd, and Bouldercrest are streets with the City of Cape Girardeau’s city limits that will be overlayed.

Mr. Mogelnicki mentioned the CTA is currently accepting bids for new dispatch software.  The software is estimated to cost $100,000-$150,000.  Additionally, CTA will be purchasing 10 new minivans as soon as they can provide the state required match.  He hopes to finalize the deal next month.

Mr. Christian discussed the Greenway Plan in Perryville.  He also mentioned the RPC will be working on a transit plan outside of SEMPO’s boundary.

Mr. Okenfuss stated the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission (MHTC) authorized the reinstatement of the Cost Share Program.  The details of the program have yet to be worked out, but the local share will be higher than in the past.

Other Business and Communications

At the request of Mr. Roach, Mr. Shrimplin explained that one of the contracts recently approved by the City of Cape Girardeau was with KLG Engineering.  Mrs. Green, President of KLG Engineering, will provide administration and program support to SEMPO by assuming several of the responsibilities that he currently handles.  This will allow Mr. Shrimplin to focus on his duties as the City Planner.  Ms. Hood stated she is considering transitioning her role as SEMPO Executive Director to Mr. Shrimplin or Mr. McElroy.  Mr. Shrimplin stated the SEMO RPC will continue the same services it has been providing via a contract instead of the Intergovernmental Services Agreement used in the past.

Adjournment

Upon motion made by Mr. Roach and seconded by Mr. Meyer, the meeting was adjourned unanimously at 2:37 p.m.