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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MEETING MINUTES

May 18, 2016

Osage Centre – Cape Girardeau

Board Voting Members Present

Mr. Chauncy Buchheit, Southeast Missouri Regional Planning & Economic Development       Commission (SEMO RPC)

Mr. Dwain Hahs, City of Jackson

Mr. Charlie Herbst, Cape Girardeau County

Mr. Scott Meyer, City of Cape Girardeau

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

Mr. Harry Rediger, City of Cape Girardeau

Mr. Jim Roach, City of Jackson

Board EX-Officio Members Present

Mr. Mike Latuszek, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)(via conference call)

Mrs. Kathy Mangels, Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO University)

Mrs. Betsy Tracy, Federal Highway Administration (via conference call)

Technical Planning Committee Members Present:

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

Commission

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

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

Mr. Brian Okenfuss, Missouri Department of Transportation

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

Staff Present

Mr. Ryan Shrimplin, City of Cape Girardeau

Call to Order

Chairman Buchheit 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 May 18, 2016 Board of Directors Meeting was unanimously approved for adoption upon motion made by Mr. Hahs and seconded by Mr. Roach.

Approval of Minutes

The minutes of the March 16, 2016 Board of Directors Meeting were unanimously approved upon motion made by Mr. Mogelnicki and seconded by Mr. Rediger.

Communications from the Chairman

Chairman Buchheit asked about the schedule for the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP).  Mr. Killian stated MoDOT will begin accepting applications in September or October.  Chairman Buchheit urged the SEMPO members to propose several projects and present them to the Board.  He added that he would like to see several high-ranked applications.

New/Unfinished Business

Zahner and Associates gave a presentation on LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging).  LIDAR is a scanning system that generates 3-D models with measurable points.  It has a wide range of applications, and could be incorporated into a future UPWP.

Chairman Buchheit opened the public hearing on the FY 2017 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP).  There being no appearances to speak, he closed the public hearing.  Mr. Shrimplin stated the Technical Planning Committee will vote to recommend adoption of the UPWP at its June 1, 2016 meeting.

In response to a question from Mr. Meyer, Mrs. Voss explained that the federal funds made available to MPO’s can be used for operating expenses as well as services pertaining to transportation planning, including studies.  Mr. Meyer suggested a committee be formed to research studies and other activities that SEMPO could conduct.

Chairman Buchheit presented RESOLUTION NO. 2016-04, A Resolution approving Amendment No. 1 to the FY 2016-2019 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).  Mr. Shrimplin and Mr. Christian gave an overview of the amendment.  One new local-sponsored project is being added to the TIP, and the revenue summary is being corrected and updated.  A public comment period was held on the amendment in accordance with the Public Participation Plan (PPP).  Mr. Mogelnicki made a motion to approve RESOLUTION NO. 2016-04. Mr. Hahs seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Christian and Mr. Killian indicated there are several upcoming TIP amendments and administrative modifications relating to MoDOT’s 2017-2021 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).

Member Reports

Mr. Meyer stated MoDOT is holding a public comment period on the draft STIP from May 11 to June 10, 2016.  As part of the STIP, MoDOT is proposing to eliminate three local programs and redirect the funds to the STIP for taking care of the state system.  The programs to be eliminated include the Small Urban Surface Transportation Program – Small Cities (STP), the On-System Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Program – Large Cities, and the On-System Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Program – Small Cities.  The Board discussed the impact the loss of these programs could have on Missouri’s cities, and directed staff to submit a letter on behalf of SEMPO formally opposing the elimination of the programs, but supporting a rule requiring funds not spent in a timely manner to be returned to MoDOT for use on the state system.

Mr. Rediger emphasized the urgency in getting TIP amendment approval from Governor Nixon and ONE DOT for the City of Cape Girardeau’s Independence/Gordonville roundabout project as soon as possible.  The project is on a very tight schedule due to the timing of the SEMO District Fair.  Mrs. Voss gave a reminder that projects cannot be let until they are officially part of the TIP.

Mr. Hahs reported the City of Jackson’s US-61/East Main Street roundabout is progressing, and the traffic plan is working well.

Mr. Herbst stated Cape Girardeau County’s 2016 paving projects cover 5 miles of roads, with an additional 7.5 miles to be graded for paving in 2017.  Also, the County Road 346/347 project had been stalled over easement acquisition issues, but has now resumed.  He added that MoDOT is fixing the MO-72 approach.

Mr. Mogelnicki explained that the CTA is growing due to increased demand.  The federal government has increased transit funding, but the CTA must be able to provide the required match.  CTA’s budget has increased each year, and the local funding assistance should be increasing accordingly.

Mr. Christian stated the SEMO RPC’s Transportation Advisory Committee will be doing project prioritization for all enhancement projects.

Mr. Okenfuss reported the Missouri General Assembly’s 2016 legislative session has ended.  The General Assembly did not pass a bill increasing the motor fuel tax, but it did pass a bill appropriating $20 million from the General Revenue Fund to the Missouri Moves Fund.  MoDOT will use the multi-modal funds to resume the cost share program, but the details still need to be worked out.  Chairman Buchheit added that a high level of funding was appropriated for ports.

Mr. Killian distributed copies of a draft map showing the locations of 2017-2021 STIP projects in MoDOT’s Southeast District, and gave an overview of the projects.

Other Business and Communications

There were no other business and communications.

Adjournment

Upon motion made by Mr. Meyer, seconded by Mr. Rediger, the meeting was adjourned unanimously at 3:15 p.m.