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Idaho Transportation Department
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REGULAR
MEETING OF THE
January 17, 2008
The Idaho Transportation
Darrell V Manning, Chairman
Monte C. McClure, Member – District
3
John X. Combo, Member – District 6
Tim Thomas, Deputy Attorney General
Sue S.
Higgins,
December 12, 2007 Board Minutes. Member Combo made a
motion to approve the minutes of the regular
Board Meeting Dates. The following meeting dates and locations were scheduled:
February
20-21, 2008 –
March
19-20, 2008 –
Consent
RES. NO. NOW
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the
ITB08-01 of a portion of US-95, District 1; the relinquishment of a portion of US-95, District 1; and the FY07 Forest Highway Program changes; and has received and reviewed the program and district obligation graphs and tables, monthly status reports; the contract award information; the semi-annual report on administrative and legal settlements of right of way acquisitions; the annual report on status of state-owned dwellings; and the November 2007 financial statement analysis.
1) Relinquishment of a Portion of US-95, District 1. The
US-95, Milepost (MP) 536 to Idaho/Canada Border project,
2) Relinquishment of a Portion of US-95, District 1. The
US-95, Junction SH-1 Northeast project,
4) Program and District Obligation Graphs and Tables, Monthly Status Reports. As of December 31, $43.1 million had been obligated, or 11% of the planned amount. The total amount obligated for construction projects was $29.4 million. Obligation information by program and district and project status reports for 2008 projects were also presented.
5) Contract Award Information. Key #8987 – I-15 and I-86,
Key #11002 – Ten Mile Creek Widening,
Key #7832 – US-95,
Key #8447 – SH-34, 3rd
Key #9008 – SH-22, Milepost 47 to Milepost 59.6,
Key #8686 – Junction US-30 to
Key
Key #8991 – US-30 Business,
Key
6) Administrative and Legal Settlements of Right-of-Way Acquisitions. From July 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007, the Right-of-Way Section processed 25 parcels. There were 11 administrative settlements and 3 legal settlements during this time frame.
7) Annual Report on Status of State-owned Dwellings. The status of the Department-owned buildings was presented, including information on the monthly rental fee, the fair rental amount, and rental status. The Department owns 11 houses, 3 bunkhouses, an apartment at Johnson Creek Air Strip, and 35 trailer pads that are available to employees. ITD also owns 10 trailer pads and 3 houses at rest area locations around the state.
8) November Financial Statement Analysis. Total federal aid for November was $60.1 million ahead of projections. Revenue to the Highway Distribution Account of $15.4 million was $400,000 short of the revised forecast. Expenditures for personnel were less than budgeted. Operating and Capital Equipment expenditures reflected a 5.25% and 12.8% positive variance, respectively. In contract construction, the federal and state programs were ahead of projections by 50% and 2%, respectively.
Aviation fuel tax revenue for November was 16%, or $117,466, more than projections. Miscellaneous revenue was 17% below the forecast. Federal aid revenue was $41,000 below projections. Overall expenditures were less than budgeted.
In the GARVEE Capital Projects Fund, expenditures in the amount of $42.3 million were made on authorized projects. Utilization of bond proceeds was $8.5 million less than the cash flow projected through the end of the month. The monthly payment from the GARVEE Debt Service Fund in the amount of $588,450 was made.
Board Items. Chairman Manning attended a number of meetings and activities recently, mostly related to the legislative session under way. He also participated in a press conference in the Governor’s Office yesterday to introduce the new Support our Troops license plate.
Member McClure asked for an update on erecting signs at GARVEE construction sites to inform motorists that the projects are being funded with GARVEE bonds. Director Lowe responded that a briefing will be given under Old/New Business. (See later minute entry.)
Director’s Report. Director Lowe reported that the
federal appropriations bill has been approved by Congress.
Director Lowe provided a summary of the congestion relief
initiative ITD submitted to the U. S. Department of Transportation to address
increasing traffic congestion on the high-growth I-84 corridor in the
Director Lowe said the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission, established in SAFETEA-LU, to address funding the nation’s transportation infrastructure recommends increasing the federal gasoline tax by 40 cents per gallon over a five-year period. The revenue would fund improvements to the nation’s roads and bridges. The report indicates that the fuel tax needs to be a viable funding mechanism through 2025.
An interim report has been released regarding the collapse
of an interstate bridge in
Director Lowe summarized the presentation for the upcoming Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee. The focus will be on the FY09 budget request, revenue, efficiency measures, and the GARVEE Program.
Traveler Information System (CARS 511). Bob Koeberlein, Mobility Services Engineer (MSE), provided an update on the Traveler Information System, also known as “511”. This system was launched in November 2005 as an improved method to keep motorists informed of road conditions and related information. Recent changes made to the system include: improvements to the low band-width (dial-up) website such as a larger map, events in geographic order within each route, and future events on the trucking page; new high band-width website using Google maps as a background with pan and zoom capabilities and with faster system updates and improved location reporting; improved 511 phone system using the latest text-to-speech software, better location reporting, and a trucking menu; AMBER alert banner displayed on both websites and a message played on the phone system when an AMBER alert has been issued; and subscription-based notification service providing information from the 511 system based on the types of events subscribers pick on selected highways and during chosen time periods. This service is currently being offered to public agencies and the media.
Chairman Manning thanked MSE Koeberlein for the presentation and for the continued efforts to improve this important service.
Delay US-91,
Member Blick expressed concern with inflation and asked if increased costs were considered in the action to delay the US-91 project. DE Bala believes the construction costs of the US-91 project are around $800,000, so there would be inflation increases available, as the programmed amount is $1.2 million.
Member McClure questioned the actions of the STP-Urban
Committee. Manager, Transportation Investments Dave Amick replied that the
Urban Committee was not able to identify a funding solution for the City of
Member Combo said that Member Neil Miller contacted him in support of DE Bala’s request. Member Combo elaborated on the importance of ITD partnering with local entities and maintaining and enhancing those relationships.
Member Combo made a motion, seconded by Member Blick, to approve the following resolution:
RES. NO. WHEREAS, it is in the public interest for the Idaho Transportation Department to accomplish a current,
ITB08-02 realistic, and fiscally constrained Highway Capital Investment Program; and
WHEREAS, it is the intent of the Idaho Transportation Board to effectively utilize all available federal and state capital investment funding; and
WHEREAS, the 2005 Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act – A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) requires that a priority list of projects covering a three-year period be provided in a Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP); and
WHEREAS, it is understood that continued development and construction of improvements are entirely dependent upon the availability of future federal and state capital investment funding in comparison to the scope and costs of needed improvements; and
WHEREAS, the District, Bannock Planning Organization, and City of Pocatello find this solution to be most beneficial for all parties and result in the immediate funding of the Local, Alameda Bike Lanes, key #08126, cost increase of $1.2 million; and
WHEREAS, the District agrees to
delay US-91,
WHEREAS, the District benefits from the delay since it allows for the intended advancing of an adjacent project on US-91, Yellowstone Avenue, key #11121, to FY10, during the FY09 program update, to reduce overall construction impacts; and
WHEREAS, the locals have
identified $1.2 million in cost savings in FY10 on Local,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board approves the delay of US-91, Yellowstone Avenue; Flandro to Hurley, Pocatello in the Highway Pavement Preservation Program from FY08 to FY10 to fund the cost increase of a local project; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board authorizes staff to make the appropriate changes to the FY08-12 STIP in accordance with the provisions of SAFETEA-LU.
Member Blick mentioned that District 4 has a similar
situation with the City of
Member McClure expressed concern with delaying a pavement preservation project. He believes it is important to obtain the goal of 18% deficient pavement and questioned achieving that goal if these types of projects are delayed to fund local projects.
Director Lowe said that both Districts 5 and 6 have lower pavement deficiency levels than the statewide average. Chief Engineer (CE) Steve Hutchinson added that the Department’s goal of 18% is statewide, so adjustments within Districts can be made.
Member McClure is concerned with parochialism if the Board delays a pavement preservation project in a District because its miles of deficient pavement are below the overall goal. Achieving 18% deficient pavement is a statewide goal, not a District goal.
The motion passed 2-1 with Member McClure dissenting.
Professional Services Agreements and Term Agreement Work Task Report. The Consultant Administration Unit processed $439,120 in new professional service agreements and work tasks from November 21 through December 19, according to CE Hutchinson. The majority of agreements was issued due to the need for special expertise. Two supplemental agreements to existing agreements were processed in the amount of $12,061 during this time period.
Transportation
Business Plan for the
Member
Combo made a motion, seconded by Member McClure, and passed unopposed, to
approve the following resolution:
RES. NO. WHEREAS, the Idaho Transportation
Department recognizes inevitable growth in the Yellowstone/Teton
ITB08-03 three state region; and
WHEREAS, transportation growth management and land issues are
among the top issues of public concern in the 25 county region as shown by
numerous attitudinal surveys; and
WHEREAS, on Friday, December 16, 2005, 61 people (working group)
from throughout the Yellowstone/Teton region met to explore the past, present,
and future of transportation in the Yellowstone/Teton region; and
WHEREAS, ITD participated in a conference call on Wednesday,
November 29, 2006 to discuss transportation in the Tetons; and
WHEREAS, the need for a business plan was agreed upon as the
next step in the planning process; and
WHEREAS, ITD participated in a meeting with the
Yellowstone/Teton three state region working group on Wednesday, November 28,
2007 to develop a new strategy for the development of a business plan since ITD
was not awarded the anticipated Federal Transit Administration (FTA) TCSP
grant; and
WHEREAS, ITD/Public Transportation has FTA funds available to
use as match and administration of a USDA Rural Development Grant to support
the development of a business plan; and
WHEREAS, ITD’s share is estimated to be $30,000.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT
RESOLVED, that the
Idaho Transportation Board approves participating in the development of a
business plan with the Yellowstone/Teton three state region working group; and
BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED, that
staff will report periodically to the Board progress and results for this
initiative.
Notification of Non-Attainment Areas for PM2.5. Transportation Planning Administrator (TPA) Matthew Moore said the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has notified ITD that two areas in the state will eventually be designated by the Environmental Protection Agency as non-attainment for PM2.5, particles with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less.
A value greater than 36 in a 24-hour period is above the
acceptable limit. To be in non-attainment, the average for three years must be
above the level. During testing over the past three years, the average level
for Pinehurst in
Although both communities have three-year averages that exceeded the level, TPA Moore said the effective date of non-attainment designation will not begin until April 2010. After that date, the state has three years to develop State Implementation Plans for each area. DEQ is applying for Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality (CMAQ) Program funds to assist in the development of these Plans. If either community has a highway expansion project, transportation conformity determinations at both the project and program level will have to be in place before the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program can be approved for that area. When ITD was first made aware of the new PM2.5 standards in 1997, there was concern that up to 15 areas in the state might be designated. At that time, the CMAQ Program began to focus on projects that could reduce PM2.5. That strategy seems to have been successful as only two areas within the state are in non-attainment.
A brief
discussion was held on the Department’s involvement, as the causes of
non-attainment are not ITD-related. Wood smoke and industry caused Pinehurst to
be in non-attainment and
Chairman
Manning thanked TPA Moore for the report.
Dedication
of Training Room.
Director Lowe thanked Member Combo for his extensive service to the
Transportation Department. She noted his strong support for employees and human
resource issues during his 18-year tenure on the Board. She was pleased to dedicate
a training room at the ITD Headquarters’ as the “John X. Combo Training Room”.
Human
Resources Manager Mary Harker also thanked Member Combo for being a strong
advocate for employees. She noted that historically, Member Combo has supported
employee welfare, including the establishment of the Wellness Committee,
increasing compensation, and promoting continuing education.
Member
Combo thanked staff for the recognition. He acknowledged the great people at
ITD and said he has enjoyed his time on the Board. He thanked the employees for
their support.
Chairman
Manning acknowledged Member Combo’s numerous accomplishments during his tenure
on the Board. He thanked Member Combo for his service and for all of his
contributions to transportation. He also noted that although Member Combo’s
term expires January 31, he is to continue serving on the Board until the
Governor appoints a replacement.
Legislative
Report. Budget,
Policy, and Intergovernmental Relations Manager (BPIRM) Julie Pipal said the
Department’s rules have been approved. All except two of the legislative
proposals have been printed to date. She mentioned that the Governor’s budget recommendation
included removing Idaho State Police from the Highway Distribution Account
formula, increasing revenue to the Department’s contract construction program,
and a directive for ITD to be more efficient.
Chairman
Manning thanked BPIRM Pipal for the report.
Addressing
Access
ADA Tolman
said staff is also working with vendors to transition credit card fees to
customers in other business areas. Credit card processing fees are incurred for
over the counter and phone-in transactions, in addition to processing payments
that are mailed in. In FY07 the Department paid a total of $232,300 in credit
card charges. Approximately 20%, or $44,800, of all credit card fees was from
Access
Member
McClure made a motion, seconded by Member Blick, and passed unopposed, to
approve the following resolution:
RES. NO. WHEREAS, the Idaho Transportation Department
provides online services through Access
ITB08-04 for the Division of Motor Vehicle programs and incurs fees
to process credit card payments; and
WHEREAS, the Department incurs credit card processing fees when
customers pay by credit card for services provided over the counter, by phone,
and when payments are received in the mail.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT
RESOLVED, that the
Idaho Transportation Board approves of Access Idaho charging customers for fees
incurred in processing credit card payments; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board approves ongoing
work with vendors to pass credit card processing fees to customers paying by
credit card for services provided over the counter, by phone, and payments
received in the mail.
Aeronautics
Division and Aeronautics Advisory Board (AAB) Annual Briefing to the
Transportation Board.
AAB Chairman Rodger Sorensen relayed the AAB members’ pleasure to serve the
Transportation Department. He provided an update on the efforts to relocate the
Aeronautics
Administrator John DeThomas said funding, personnel, and security are the
Division’s major issues. He reported that the legislative proposal to increase
jet and aviation fuel tax has been printed.
Airport
Maintenance Manager
Mike Pape
reported that the Flight Operations Program can provide increased passenger
productivity when using state planes for some transportation. The Division had
zero incidents or accidents in 2007. Safety is the Division’s top priority.
Goals for this year are to develop a computerized flight administration system
and promote increased usage by state organizations.
Safety
outreach and education continues to be a big part of the activities, according
to Manager Frank Lester. The Division sponsored various seminars, inspection
authorization training, the
Reduced
financial assistance was provided through the Idaho Airport Aid Program, Planning
and Development Manager Bill Statham said. Assistance was also provided through
the airport supplies program, the airport inspection program, obstruction
evaluations, and technical assistance. Federal Aviation Administration grants,
totaling $877,502, funded three airport layout plans, provided airport
maintenance funding, and is updating the state airport system plan.
Division
Business Manager
Chairman Manning thanked staff for the informative presentation and for their important efforts in the aviation industry.
The Board had an informal luncheon with the AAB. Chairman Manning thanked the AAB members for their service and dedication to the state.
Executive Session on Personnel and Legal
Issues, Section 67-2345(1), (b), (d), and (f),
A general discussion was held on pending or
probable litigation related to the US-95,
A general discussion was held on a personnel matter related to a public office at the Department.
The Board came out of executive session at 2:00 PM. No decisions were made.
Old/New Business. Driver Services Manager (DSM) Ed
Pemble provided an update on the federal REAL ID Act, which requires states to
adopt minimum federal standards for the issuance of driver licenses and
personal identification cards. The final rules have been published; however, staff
is still in the process of reviewing and analyzing them. He does not believe
Some discussion followed regarding applying for a grant to help fund implementation of the federal act. The consensus of the Board was to have staff work with the Governor’s Office and Legislature on a grant request.
GARVEE Staff Engineer (GSE) Amy Schroeder presented samples
of signs to inform the traveling public that projects are being funded with
GARVEE bonds. Member McClure asked if staff researched the signs that
Member Blick made a motion, seconded by Member McClure, and passed unopposed, to approve the following resolution:
RES. NO. WHEREAS,
the United States of
ITB08-05 against the Idaho Transportation Department over the construction of US-95, Bellgrove to Mica, known as project #NH-CM-5110(119).
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Idaho Transportation Board authorizes Deputy Attorney General Vogt and Director Lowe to proceed with negotiation and resolution of the EPA lawsuit on the US-95, Bellgrove to Mica project.
WHEREUPON, the Idaho Transportation Board’s regular monthly meeting officially adjourned at 2:30 PM.
___________________signed______________
DARRELL V MANNING, Chairman
Read and Approved
February 20, 2008