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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MEETING MINUTES

March 21, 2018

Osage Centre – Cape Girardeau, MO

Board Voting Members Present:  

Ms. Beth Glaus, Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO University) (alternate for Ms. Kathy Mangels)

Mr. Dwain Hahs, City of Jackson

Mr. Barry Horst, Southeast Missouri Regional Planning & Economic

Development Commission (SEMO RPC)

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:

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

Mr. Charlie Herbst, Cape Girardeau County

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

Mr. Mark Shelton, Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT)

Technical Planning Committee (TPC) Members Present:   

Mr. Rodney Bollinger, City of Jackson

Mr. Drew Christian, Southeast Missouri Regional Planning & Economic

Development Commission (SEMO RPC)

Mr. Joe Killian, Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT)

Mr. Bruce Loy, Cape Girardeau Regional Airport

Mr. Alex McElroy, City of Cape Girardeau

Mr. John Mehner, Cape Girardeau Area MAGNET

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

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

Committee

Mr. Kirk Sandfort, Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO University)

Ms. Kelley Watson, Cape Girardeau County Transit Authority (CTA)

Staff Present:     

Mr. Ryan Shrimplin, City of Cape Girardeau

Program Administration/Support Consultant Present:

Ms. Kelly Green, KLG Engineering

Others Present:

Ms. Casey Brunke, City of Cape Girardeau

Ms. Melanie Cantrell, Midamerica Hotels Corporation

Mr. Dan Drury, Midamerica Hotels Corporation

Mr. Danny Essner, Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce/Cape

Girardeau Area MAGNET

Ms. Molly Mehner, City of Cape Girardeau

Mr. Lowell Peterson, Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce

Transportation Committee

Mr. Stan Polivick, City of Cape Girardeau

Mr. Jeff Wachter, Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT)

Mr. Jason Williams, Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT)

Call to Order

Chairman Hahs 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 March 21, 2018 Board of Directors Meeting was unanimously approved upon motion made by Mr. Roach and seconded by Mr. Rediger.

Approval of Minutes

The minutes of the February 21, 2018 Board of Directors Meeting were unanimously approved upon motion made by Mr. Roach and seconded by Mr. Rediger.

Communications from the Chairman

There were no communications from the Chairman.

New/Unfinished Business

• MoDOT Presentation on I-55/US 61 Interchange Reconstruction Preliminary Design

Mr. Jason Williams with MoDOT gave a presentation on the preliminary design for the reconstruction of the I-55/US 61 interchange (Exit 99).  He explained that MoDOT examined the two bridges at the interchange as part of its scoping program and determined that the decking on both bridges needs to be replaced.  Upon further review, however, staff began looking at increasing the scope of the project to shorten the spans and thus reduce costs now and in the future.  This led to the decision to reconstruct the interchange.  MoDOT then hired a consultant to analyze three interchange configurations: single point urban interchange (SPUI), dogbone interchange, and diverging diamond interchange (DDI).  In addition to general criteria like safety, MoDOT and the consultant evaluated each configuration based on the projected Level of Service (LOS) at the end of a 20-year period, referred to as the “design year”.  The design year for the project is 2039.  For the traffic modeling, MoDOT assumed an annual increase rate of 0.5%.  The dogbone interchange performed the worst, with a LOS of E/F, while the SPUI and DDI both performed at a LOS of B/C.  The SPUI, however, resulted in heavy stacking of vehicles on the ramps, making the DDI the optimal choice.

Mr. Williams continued by describing the changes that would result from a DDI at Exit 99.  The bridge spans would be reduced from 578 feet to 173 feet, substantially reducing the project cost, and MoDOT would be able to use safety funds to cover a portion of the work.  On the Jackson side of the interchange, MoDOT would close US 61 access from Wedekind Street and the outer road on the north side of US 61 and create a new access from Birk Lane.  These proposed closures would be necessary due to turning conflicts.  MoDOT would also install a traffic signal at the intersection of US 61 and Veterans Memorial Drive.  These changes would create an opportunity for MoDOT to dispose of excess right-of-way in the future.

Mr. Williams then played a video showing a model of the DDI as it would be constructed at Exit 99.  The video showed the progression through the interchange from the view of drivers entering it from various points.  He explained that a concrete divider and columns would be in the middle of the two spans.  The divider would be tall enough to screen headlights from opposing traffic.  There are some clearance issues that will need to be addressed as part of the project.  Due to design constraints, the bridge spans will only be wide enough to accommodate two underpass lanes in each direction plus a 5 foot wide strip for a sidewalk.  In response to a question, Mr. Williams indicated that it will not be possible to provide additional lanes to the underpass in the future.

The Board expressed concern about the annual traffic increase rate being too low.  It was noted that the land on both sides of the interchange is largely undeveloped but the majority property owner, Midamerica Hotels Corporation, has development plans which would greatly increase traffic in the area.  It was also noted that the new SportsPlex on the Cape Girardeau side is now hosting major tournaments, which generate heavy peak traffic.  Mr. Dan Drury with Midamerica Hotels Corporation requested different connections at Old Orchard Road and Birk Lane as well as an at-grade intersection on US 61 between Old Orchard Road and the outer road.  He also requested that MoDOT install a dual left turn lane in the eastbound direction at the US 61/Veterans Memorial Drive interchange.  Mr. Williams stated that the at-grade intersection is problematic from a safety perspective, and that there is only one receiving lane on Veterans Memorial Drive.

It was noted that SEMPO’s draft Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan proposes a trail across this interchange.  The 5 foot wide strip under the bridges would be too narrow for a trail and while functional for a sidewalk, would make pedestrians feel unsafe due to the adjacent traffic.  Also, bicycle and pedestrian crossings need to be considered in the design.

Questions were raised about how drivers unfamiliar with the DDI configuration would be able to navigate the interchange.

A comment was made about the appearance of the interchange, which would include long, concrete medians.  It was suggested that both cities begin thinking about ways to beautify this “gateway” to the communities.

MoDOT staff mentioned that there is a DDI in Farmington and several in Springfield.  Mr. Williams stated that he hopes to clean up some ownership issues on the outer road and County Road 312.  He stated that the preliminary plans will be finalized within the next couple of months.  A public meeting will then be scheduled.  Construction is proposed to begin in the summer of 2019 and be completed in the fall of 2020.  Two lanes on I-55 will be open at all times.  The ramps will likely have some spot closures but should remain open most of the time.

Mr. Drury noted that drainage could be an issue and that careful hydraulic analysis will be important.

In response to a question, Mr. Williams confirmed that the project includes lighting improvements.

At the request of the Board, MoDOT staff agreed to consider increasing the annual traffic increase rate and discuss the project further with city officials and the Board of Directors prior to the public meeting.

• RESOLUTION NO. 2018-01, A Resolution recognizing Harry Rediger – Reading and Passage

Chairman Hahs introduced RESOLUTION NO. 2018-01.  Mr. Shrimplin presented a certificate of appreciation to Mr. Rediger on behalf of SEMPO and expressed his gratitude to Mr. Rediger for his service and dedication to SEMPO and the City of Cape Girardeau.  He also noted Mr. Rediger’s role in the success of the City’s Transportation Trust Fund (TTF) tax initiative.  A motion was made by Mr. Meyer and seconded by Mr. Roach to approve RESOLUTION NO. 2018-01, which passed unanimously.

• RESOLUTION NO. 2018-02, A Resolution authorizing the Executive Director to execute a Transportation Performance Management Planning Agreement with the Missouri Department of Transportation, the Cape Girardeau County Transit Authority, and Southeast Missouri State University – Reading and Passage.

Chairman Hahs introduced RESOLUTION NO. 2018-02.  Mr. Shrimplin explained that MoDOT has prepared an agreement for each MPO and its transit provider(s) to formalize each party’s respective responsibilities with regard to implementing the performance management requirements of MAP-21 and FAST Act.  The resolution authorizes him as the executive director to execute the agreement.  A motion was made by Mr. Rediger and seconded by Mr. Phillips to approve RESOLUTION NO. 2018-02, which passed unanimously.

• FY 2019 Unified Planning Work Program – Discussion

Mr. Shrimplin stated that staff has been working on the draft FY 2019 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP).  He explained that the FY 2019 UPWP proposes to continue the activities in the FY 2018 UPWP except for the Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan and the Public Transit – Human Services Transportation Coordination Plan, both of which will be completed by the end of the fiscal year.  A new project proposed in the FY 2019 UPWP is an ADA Self Evaluation and Transition Plan, which is anticipated to span more than one fiscal year.  Ms. Green is currently gathering information on existing transition plans in Missouri in order to determine the scope of work and budget for SEMPO’s plan.  Once the scope and budget are determined, the financial tables in the FY 2019 can be completed.  The draft FY 2019 UPWP will be reviewed again by the TPC in April and May, with the draft being released for public comment at the May meeting.  The Board of Directors has set a public hearing on the draft for May 16th.  The TPC will recommend adoption and the Board will adopt the FY 2019 UPWP in June.

• Public Transit – Human Services Transportation Coordination Plan – Discussion

Mr. Christian reported that he is waiting on additional input from the transit providers before presenting the completed Public Transit – Human Services Transportation Coordination Plan to the TPC.  He expects to have the draft ready for review in May.

Member Reports

Mr. Rediger reported on several City of Cape Girardeau projects.  The South Sprigg Street bridge is now open.  The Lexington Avenue – Sherwood Drive to West Cape Rock Drive Project continues.  Bowen Engineering is beginning design work the North West End Boulevard – Rose Street to Bertling Street Project.  Annual maintenance projects are underway.  The Notice to Proceed has been issued for the Sloan Creek Bridge Superstructure and Slope Stabilization Project.  He added that while the bridge is closed, the Main Street bridge will be re-opened for local detour traffic.

Mr. Hahs reported that the Hubble Creek pedestrian bridge has been installed and now the contractor is working on the approaches.  The City of Jackson intends to open the bridge in April.  The Old Orchard Road project has been bid.  Design of the traffic signal at East Main Street and Oak Hill Road is underway.

Mr. Herbst stated that the gravel bids came in today.  The asphalt bids will be coming in soon.  There are a few streetlights being installed on county roads, which are being paid for by Capital Sand Company.

Mr. Phillips reported that Cape Special Road District recently awarded a seven-mile asphalt overlay project to Pace Construction Company.

Ms. Brink stated that SEMO Port has signed a contract to begin the grading project.  The work will begin in May.  The port received an additional $1 million from MoDOT, which will be used to purchase materials.  She added that the port is constructing a maintenance building.

Mr. Loy reported that SkyWest Airlines boarding numbers are up at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport.  SkyWest is working to resolve an issue with connecting fares.

Mr. Horst reported that SEMO RPC is busy working on TIP Amendments and the Public Transit – Human Services Transportation Coordination Plan.

Mr. Okenfuss reported that the Rte PP and Rte D shouldering projects will be awarded within the next couple of weeks.  The US 61/Rte K overlay project is currently out for bid.

Staff Report

Mr. Shrimplin reported that the Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan will be on the Board’s April agenda for adoption.  He also reported that the deadline for submitting TIP tool software proposals is March 30.

Other Business and Communications

There was no other business or communications.

Adjournment

There being no further business, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 3:43 p.m.