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TPC Minutes 12/07/2016

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TECHNICAL PLANNING COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES 

December 7, 2016

Osage Centre – Cape Girardeau

Technical Planning Committee Members Present: 

Mr. David Blalock, Bootheel Regional Planning & Economic Development

Commission (Bootheel RPC)

Mr. Mike Brandon, Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT)

Mrs. Mandi Brink, Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority (SEMO Port)

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

Commission (SEMO RPC)

Mr. Curtis Jones, Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)

Mr. Joe Killian, Missouri Department of Transportation

Mr. John Mehner, Cape Girardeau Area MAGNET

Mr. Larry Payne, Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce Transportation Committee

Mrs. Betsy Tracy, Federal Highway Administration

Ms. Janette Vomund, Missouri Department of Transportation (via conference call)

Mrs. Eva Voss, Missouri Department of Transportation (via conference call)

Staff Present:

Mrs. Kelly Green, KLG Engineering

Mr. Alex McElroy, City of Cape Girardeau

Mr. Ryan Shrimplin, City of Cape Girardeau

Call to Order

Chairman Payne called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.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 December 7, 2016 Technical Planning Committee Meeting was unanimously approved for adoption upon motion made by Mr. Mehner and seconded by Mr. Blalock.

Approval of Minutes

The minutes of the November 2, 2016 Technical Planning Committee Meeting were unanimously approved upon motion made by Mr. Christian and seconded by Mr. Mehner.

Communications from the Chairman

There were no communications from the Chairman.

New/Unfinished Business

Mr. Shrimplin stated the FY 2017 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) amendment was released for public comment in accordance with the Public Participation Plan. No comments were received.  The amendment adds the City of Jackson’s Traffic Engineering Assistance Program (TEAP) project for the East Main Street Intersection Evaluations.  The funds will be used to conduct traffic studies at two key intersections on East Main Street.  Mr. Mehner made a motion to recommend the Board of Directors approve the FY 2017 UPWP amendment.  Mr. Blalock seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Shrimplin informed the Committee that the Board of Directors would like to have a “contingency list” of transportation needs and projects ready in case new or additional federal funds become available as a result of the new U.S. President’s agenda. The Committee began by reviewing the list that was submitted to MoDOT as part of the Amendment 7 tax measure, which did not pass.  The Committee provided updates to staff.  Mr. Shrimplin asked the Committee to continue reviewing the list for additional changes.

Mr. Killian explained that when MoDOT closed the intersection of US-61/MO-25/MO-34/MO-72 in Jackson to replace the railroad crossing, it became apparent there are too many duplicate route markings across Jackson Boulevard and Kingshighway. To reduce the duplication, MoDOT has decided to eliminate the portion of MO-34 between MO-72 and the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge.  Once the change is made, MO-34 will end at its intersection with MO-72.  He asked the Committee if there are any concerns.  Mr. Mehner asked how the change would affect wayfinding, especially travelers using GPS or paper maps.  Mr. Killian explained the process he uses to notify the mapping clearinghouses of route changes.  He then stated MoDOT has no record of any properties addressed to MO-34 along the section to be eliminated.  Mr. Shrimplin agreed to contact Cape Girardeau County 911 for verification.  The Committee expressed support of the change, and recommended the Board authorize a letter to be submitted to MoDOT.

Mr. Killian mentioned that MoDOT will also be making a route change to MO-177 due to a recent transfer of ownership to the City of Cape Girardeau for a portion of the route on Big Bend Road.

Member Reports

Mr. McElroy reported that both the Independence/Gordonville roundabout and Hopper Road are now open, and the Bloomfield Road project is underway.

Mr. Payne provided an update on the County Road 346/347 project. He noted the trucks are controlling their speeds.  Also, the Cape Special Road District has or will be awarding a contract for a new bridge.

Mrs. Brink gave a recap of the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission (MHTC) meeting. She mentioned that the new state legislators will be touring the SEMO Port next week.

Mr. Christian stated he finished scoring the TAP applications for the MoDOT Southeast District. The selection team, comprised of representatives of SEMPO and the RPC’s, will meet next week to determine final scores. He added that the SEMO RPC is working on a Greenway Master Plan for the City of Perryville.

Mr. Blalock indicated he also finished scoring the TAP applications.

Mr. Mehner reported that substantial progress is being made on the extension of Veterans Memorial Drive through the Midamerica Hotels parcel.

Mr. Brandon announced that MoDOT has released the Citizen’s Guide to Transportation Funding in Missouri.  The Citizen’s Guide was created to educate and inform Missourians on the status and future direction of their transportation system.  It is available online at www.modot.org.

In response to a question, Mr. Jones stated IDOT is still seeking NEPA concurrence for the Shawnee Parkway Project. Updates are available online at www.shawneeparkway.org.

Mrs. Tracy mentioned that FASTLANE funds are available; the closing date is December 15, 2016.

Mrs. Voss announced the Statewide Planning Partner Meeting has been moved to March 9, 2017 in the Governor’s Office Building in Jefferson City. She also mentioned that MoDOT is requesting the Governor-Elect delegate TIP approval authority to MoDOT.  MoDOT is also updating its Engineering Policy Guide.

Ms. Vomund reported that she is working on the Human Services Transportation Coordination Plan Agreements with the RPC’s and MPO’s.

Mr. Shrimplin stated he received an FHWA memo regarding the availability of federal funds for truck parking projects. There are several different programs.  The federal share ranges from 80 to 90 percent.  He also mentioned that the City of Cape Girardeau is in the process of executing on-call contracts with five consultants for transportation planning services in support of SEMPO, including Mrs. Green’s firm, KLG Engineering.  In addition, staff is exploring options for TIP management software.

Other Business and Communications

There were no other business and communications.

Adjournment

Upon motion made by Mr. Christian and seconded by Mr. Blalock, the Committee voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 11:50 a.m.