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Board Minutes 06/21/2017

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MEETING MINUTES

June 21, 2017

Osage Centre – Cape Girardeau, MO

Board Voting Members Present:

Mr. Chauncy Buchheit, Southeast Missouri Regional Planning & Economic Development

Commission (SEMO RPC)

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

Mr. Dwain Hahs, City of Jackson

Ms. Molly Hood, City of Cape Girardeau (Appointed Alternate for Scott Meyer)

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

Technical Planning Committee (TPC) Members Present:   

Mr. Rodney Bollinger, City of Jackson

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

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 (MoDOT)

Mr. Alex McElroy, City of Cape Girardeau

Mr. John Mehner, Cape Girardeau Area MAGNET

Ms. Eva Voss, Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) (via teleconference)

Staff Present:

Mr. Ryan Shrimplin, City of Cape Girardeau

Program Administration/Support Consultant Present:

Ms. Kelly Green, KLG Engineering

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.

Mr. Shannon Graves with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) was introduced by Mr. Mogelnicki.  Mr. Graves explained that he is conducting the CTA’s Triennial Review.

Public Comments

There were no public comments.

Adoption of Agenda

The agenda of the June 21, 2017 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 May 17, 2017 Board of Directors Meeting were unanimously approved upon motion made by Mr. Phillips and seconded by Mr. Hahs.

Communications from the Chairman

There were no communications from the Chairman.

New/Unfinished Business

RESOLUTION NO. 2017-04, A Resolution adopting the FY 2018 Unified Planning Work Program – Reading and Passage

Chairman Buchheit introduced RESOLUTION NO. 2017-04.  Mr. Shrimplin stated that no comments were received during the public comment period and that the Technical Planning Committee passed a motion to recommend adoption of the FY 2018 UPWP.  A motion was made by Mr. Rediger and seconded by Mr. Hahs to approve RESOLUTION NO. 2017-04, which passed unanimously.

RESOLUTION NO. 2017-05, A Resolution expressing support of an application for USDOT funding by the Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority for the Loop Tracks Terminal Project – Reading and Passage

Chairman Buchheit introduced RESOLUTION NO. 2017-05.  Ms. Brink distributed information pertaining to the Loop Tracks Terminal Project.  She explained that the Port is pursuing federal funding for the project, whether it be a TIGER grant or another source.  She requested that SEMPO provide a resolution and a letter of support at this time so the Port will have the necessary documentation ready in the event an opportunity arises. The project is estimated to cost between $33,000,000 and $35,000,000.  A motion was made by Mr. Hahs and seconded by Mr. Rediger to approve RESOLUTION NO. 2017-05, which passed unanimously.

Election of Officers for FY 2018

The Board of Directors held its annual election of officers.  Mr. Hahs was elected Chairperson and Mr. Meyer was elected Vice Chairperson, with both terms beginning on July 1, 2017.

Member Reports

Mr. Rediger gave an update on several City of Cape Girardeau projects and programs, including Veterans Memorial Drive Phase 5, Bloomfield Road Phase 5, the South Sprigg Street Bridge, Independence Street Sidewalks, Neighborhood Street Repair, the Cape LaCroix Trail Widening, and the Lexington Avenue Improvements.  He also stated that the Cape Girardeau City Council recently approved the City’s annual budget and is looking into regulating shipping containers.

Mr. Hahs provided an update on a number of City of Jackson projects and programs, including the Uptown Jackson Historic Lighting and Event Power Project, Water System Improvements, Main Street Improvements, High Street / Adam Street Improvements, and the US-61/Jackson Boulevard Sidewalk Improvements. He stated the US-61/Jackson Boulevard Lighting Improvements project is not moving forward at this time because MoDOT informed the City that the project does not meet the criteria for the Cost Share Program.  He also indicated that the City is restricting truck traffic on Main Street from the roundabout to the west side of town due to a high volume of trucks traveling through that area from Capital Sand Company and other businesses.

Mr. Phillips reported that the Cape Special Road District’s asphalt paving program is underway.

Mr. Mogelnicki announced that a new fixed bus route has been established in downtown Cape Girardeau.  The Downtown Trolley, as it is called, will begin service on July 13.  The Trolley is a transit bus with a “wrap” that is designed to reference the historic trolleys that used to serve the city many years ago.  The Trolley will be in service on Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 11:00 p.m.  Seven (7) stops have been designated along the major downtown streets and including the Isle Casino.  Mr. Rediger stated that he is excited about the Trolley.  The route and stops will be re-evaluated in six months.  He added that this may help alleviate some of the downtown parking concerns.  The Trolley will be free to the public.

Ms. Glaus stated that SEMO University is interested in working together to maintain connectivity between the River Campus and downtown Cape Girardeau.  In addition, the University Master Plan is underway, which will include a review of parking facilities and policies.  She also stated that classes begin August 21, which is the same day as the solar eclipse.  Classes will not be held that day to allow students and employees to watch the event.  She added that Normal Avenue will be closed during the event.

Mr. Christian reported that the SEMO RPC has started work on the Public Transit-Human Services Transportation Coordination Plan.  He stated that the public ridership survey and provider survey will be ready soon.  He will have more information soon regarding public meetings.  The plan is expected to be completed in early 2018.

Mr. Mehner stated the Transamerica Corridor Corporation will be meeting with IDOT on June 28 to discuss infrastructure funding.  They will be working to develop letters and lobbying notes.

Mr. Brandon stated that the Scott City Interchange will be under construction soon.  Additionally, concrete pavement repairs will begin on the interstate system.

Mr. Killian stated that the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission will approve the 2018-2022 STIP at its meeting later this month.

Mr. Jones reported that the State of Illinois still does not have an approved budget.

Other Business and Communications

Mr. Graves stated that 7/12th of the Section 5307 funds have been allocated.  The remainder is scheduled to be released soon.  Also, the responsibility of administering Consolidated Planning Grant (CPG) funds has been transferred from the FTA to the FHWA.

Ms. Green reminded the Board that the community workshops for the Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan will be held today from 3:30-5:00 p.m. at the Osage Centre in Cape Girardeau and from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at the Jackson Civic Center in Jackson.  She encouraged the Board members to attend and participate in the process.

Chairman Buchheit announced that he will be retiring on January 1, 2018.  He stated that he appreciates having been a part of SEMPO over the past four years.  Mr. Mehner stated that he appreciates everything Mr. Buchheit has done for the region.

Adjournment

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 2:50 p.m.