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Idaho Transportation Department
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REGULAR
MEETING OF THE
March 19, 2008
The Idaho Transportation
Darrell V Manning, Chairman
Monte
C. McClure, Vice Chairman – District 3
Sue S.
Higgins,
February 20, 2008 Board Minutes. Member Miller made a
motion to approve the minutes of the regular
Board Meeting Dates. The following meeting dates and locations were scheduled:
April 16-17, 2008 – District 2
May 21-22, 2008 – District 4
June 17-19, 2008 – District 3
Consent
RES. NO. NOW
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the
ITB08-10 representative on the T2 Center Advisory Board; the relinquishment of a portion of I-86 Business in American Falls, District 5; and the delay of Custer Street Bridge, Pocatello, District 5 to the FY10 Bridge Program; and has received and reviewed the program and district obligation graphs and tables, monthly status report; the contract award information; the quarterly report on legal actions and contract claims; and the January financial statement.
1) New representative on T2 Center Advisory Board. Kim Reed,
2) Relinquishment of a Portion of I-86 Business in
3)
4) Program and District Obligation Graphs and Tables, Monthly Status Reports. As of February 29, $84.3 million had been obligated for projects in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, or 22% of the planned amount. The total amount obligated for construction projects was $72.2 million. Obligation information by program and district and project status reports for 2008 projects were also presented.
5) Contract Award Information. Key #11462 – I-84,
Key #9768 – US-30, Bliss to Malad River Bridge, Gooding County, District 4. Low bidder: Snake River Construction, Inc. - $299,905.
Key #9532 – I-84, Junction US-93 to SH-50 Interchange,
Key #9755 – Latah Trail,
Key
Key #7222 –
6) Quarterly Report on Legal Actions and Contract Claims. A summary of legal cases resolved by the Legal Section, current legal cases, and contract claims was presented.
7) January Financial Statement Analysis. Total federal aid was $56.1 million ahead of the year-to-date projections. In January, a refund of over $3 million was made from the Highway Distribution Account (HDA) to the Shoshone-Bannock Tribe. ITD’s share of that was $1.8 million. HDA year-to-date revenue was $1.6 million ahead of the revised forecast. Expenditures for personnel were less than budgeted through the month. Operating and Capital Equipment expenditures reflected a 1.62% and 15.8% positive variance, respectively. In contract construction, the federal and state programs were ahead of projections by 36% and less than 1%, respectively.
Federal aid revenue to the State Aeronautics Fund was $164,000 below year-to-date projections. Aviation fuel tax revenue received through January was 15%, or $146,329, more than projections. Miscellaneous revenue was 4% above the year-to-date forecast. Overall expenditures were $225,000 more than budgeted.
In the GARVEE Capital Projects Fund, expenditures in the amount of $51.5 million were made on authorized projects. Utilization of bond proceeds was $7.3 million less than the cash flow projected through the end of the month. During January, the $4.1 million semi-annual payment of the FHWA share of the debt service payment, as well as the monthly state share of the debt service payment was made from the GARVEE Debt Service Fund.
Board Items. Chairman Manning said the majority of
meetings and activities he has participated in recently have been related to
legislative issues, including Member Gagner’s and Aeronautics’ Advisory Board
(AAB) Member Robert Hoff’s Senate confirmation hearings. He also met with a
representative from the
Member Coleman said he has had discussions with legislators regarding House Concurrent Resolution 50 requesting a performance evaluation of ITD. He suggested a peer review conducted by personnel from other state departments of transportation. Member Coleman indicated a review may be beneficial, as it may identify additional efficiencies.
Member Coleman expressed concern with the escalating cost of fuel. He knows fuel consumption has declined nationwide. He asked if the Department’s revenue is below projections. Director Lowe said staff has information on that issue. The consensus of the Board was to review the data during New Business. (See later minute entry.)
Delegation –
Mr. Crouch said
Member Sweeney asked if Mr. Crouch would dedicate the funds needed to install
the turn lanes to ITD’s project to widen US-93. Mr. Crouch responded that yes,
he would be willing to contribute the turning lane funds to the widening
project.
In response to Member Coleman’s question on the feasibility of using the Sales Tax Anticipation Revenue (STAR) legislation as a funding mechanism, Director Lowe replied that she believes that may be an option. Mr. Crouch said he has heard about the STAR legislation and indicated a willingness to pursue that funding option.
In response to Member Sweeney’s question on the status of
the US-93 widening project, District 4 Engineer (DE)
Chairman Manning thanked Mr. Crouch for his comments.
Safe Routes to School Program. Elaine Clegg, Safe Routes to School (SR2S)
Advisory Committee member, presented the list of Safe Routes to School projects
recommended for funding in FY09. Projects were solicited and then reviewed and
prioritized by the committee. A total of 27 applications were received. The
committee recommends funding 19 projects. The amount requested for
infrastructure improvements is $627,000 and the total for education and
encouragement projects is $263,000.
Member Miller encouraged the SR2S Advisory Committee to work with school
districts as they plan new schools. Generally, school districts do not consider
transportation issues when construction plans for new schools are developed.
Ms. Clegg acknowledged the need to address transportation issues during the
planning stage and indicated a willingness to educate school officials on those
needs and issues. To address safety issues along major highways, Member Blick
encouraged constructing sidewalks separate from the roadway.
Vice Chairman McClure made a motion, seconded by Member Blick, and
passed unopposed, to approve the following resolution:
RES. NO. WHEREAS, the Idaho
Transportation Board adopted Board Policy B-11-07, Safe Routes to School
ITB08-11 Program, to establish a Safe Routes to School (SR2S) program for the State of Idaho, under Section 404 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act - A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), P.L. (109-59); and
WHEREAS, the purpose of the SR2S program is to 1) enable and encourage children in grades K-8, including those with disabilities, to walk and bicycle to school, 2) make bicycling and walking to school a safer and more appealing transportation alternative, thereby encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle from an early age, and 3) facilitate the planning, development, and implementation of projects and activities that will improve safety and reduce traffic, fuel consumption, and air pollution in the vicinity of schools; and
WHEREAS, SR2S funding supports two project categories: 1) infrastructure, and 2) non-infrastructure improvements, to directly support increased safety and convenience for children to walk and bike to school; and
WHEREAS, Board Policy B-11-07 required establishment of a SR2S Advisory Committee, comprised of volunteer representatives from state agencies and private organizations, with expertise and knowledge in the fields of education, transportation, law enforcement and health care; and
WHEREAS, the SR2S Advisory Committee adopted the SR2S program guidelines and project criteria under the Secretary of Transportation issued program guidance of January 2006; and
WHEREAS, the Idaho Transportation Department advertised and accepted applications eligible for SR2S funding for infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects through a competitive statewide process; and
WHEREAS, the SR2S Advisory Committee has reviewed and prioritized the list of projects deemed eligible for SR2S federal-aid funding.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board approves SR2S federal-aid funding for the list of prioritized projects recommended by the Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee, as shown as Exhibit 356, which is made a part hereof with like effect; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that staff is authorized to include the approved projects in the FY09-11 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) in accordance with the provisions of SAFETEA-LU; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Chief Engineer may delay projects approved under this resolution from FY08 to FY09 of the STIP if appropriate to accommodate reasonable obstacles to project delivery in FY08.
Chairman Manning thanked SR2S Advisory Committee Member Clegg for the report and for her service on this important committee.
Employee Service Awards. The Board participated in the Employee Service Awards. Vice Chairman McClure provided remarks on behalf of the Board.
Legislative Update. Budget, Policy, and Intergovernmental Relations
Manager (BPIRM)
Chairman Manning thanked BPIRM Pipal for the update and for her efforts
on legislation.
Use of Magnesium Chloride. Mobility Services Engineer (MSE) Bob Koeberlein summarized the Department’s use of magnesium chloride. ITD began using this anti-icing treatment in 1988. The treatment procedures have been refined over the years. Currently, monitoring is required if application rates of 20-30 gallons per lane mile are exceeded. The application is to be coordinated with the weather event, using a “just in time” application approach. Also, magnesium chloride should not be applied if the air temperature is above 40 degrees with a relative humidity of 45-50%. Staff polled other states and found that the application rates ranged from 15 to 50 gallons per lane mile; few states have written policies for magnesium chloride applications; and some states have temperature and humidity restrictions.
MSE Koeberlein said that because slippery conditions may be created by applying magnesium chloride to freeway ramps and intersections, staff is considering restricting application of the anti-icing treatment at those locations.
In response to a question on liability, DAG Vogt reported that in general, the establishment of policies and adherence to those policies provides some protection on liability.
DE 1
Chairman Manning thanked staff for the informative presentation.
Pavement Engineering Update, Current Practice and Future
Efficiencies. State Materials Engineer (SME)
Chairman Manning thanked SME Miles for the report.
Professional Services Agreements and Term Agreement Work
Task Report. The Consultant Administration Unit processed $734,737 in new
professional service agreements and work tasks from February 2 through February
29, according to Chief Engineer
Executive Session on Personnel and Legal
Issues, Section 67-2345(1), (c), (d), and (f),
A discussion was held on pending or probable
litigation related to the US-95, Sandpoint North and South project and
A discussion was held on personnel matters related to compensation.
The Board came out of executive session at 1:20 PM. No decisions were made.
Director’s Report. Director Lowe distributed a draft document with various information and facts on ITD. The booklet is being published instead of the annual report.
Director Lowe announced that
Gus Shanine has been named the new assistant division administrator at the Idaho FHWA division office, according to Director Lowe. He is currently with the Georgia Division Office.
Director Lowe reported that the environmental impact statement for the SH-75 corridor, Timmerman to Ketchum, has been approved by FHWA.
The federal Government Accountability Office will conduct a
site visit in
Director Lowe said the recent Horizon Air magazine included a positive story on
Director Lowe mentioned that Deputy Director (DDIR)
In conclusion, Director Lowe said the Environmental Protection Agency has strengthened the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ground-level ozone to 0.075 parts per million. Staff is working with the Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho, FHWA, and the Department of Environmental Quality to develop guidelines for air quality analysis at the plan, project, and program levels. Staff will continue to review the requirements and their impacts.
Program Changes to Deliver US-95, Sandpoint North and
South, Key #1729, District 1, in FY08. Senior Transportation Planner
Member Sweeney expressed concern with a $130 million project for a two-lane road.
Member Coleman made a motion, seconded by Vice Chairman
McClure, to approve the following resolution:
RES. NO. WHEREAS, it is in the
public’s interest for the Idaho Transportation Department to publish and
ITB08-12 accomplish a current, realistic, and fiscally constrained Capital Investment Program; and
WHEREAS, it is the intent of the Idaho Transportation Board to effectively utilize all available federal, state and private highway funding; and
WHEREAS, US-95, Sandpoint North and South, key #1729 is a major and highly visible expansion project that has been under development since June of 1979 and has currently reached the milestone of Plans, Specifications, and Estimates; and
WHEREAS, the engineer’s estimate and additional development and right-of-way costs for US-95, Sandpoint, North and South are $8.7 million higher than funds currently programmed; and
WHEREAS, the Department has chosen to utilize the advanced construction provisions of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act – a Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) to fund construction of the US-95, Sandpoint, North and South project over multiple years; and
WHEREAS, the District has identified three pavement preservation projects and one bridge project to remove from the Program to offset the increase in the engineer’s estimate; and
WHEREAS, the pavement preservation project removals reduce the Department’s ability to meet its pavement goal by 5.95 lane miles.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board approves the removal of SH-200, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad Bridge, Hope, key #9451, from FY08; US-95, Smith Creek to Sheep Creek, Benewah County, key #9458, from FY08; US-2, Hornby Creek to Lake Street, Bonner County, key #11022, from FY11; and SH-41, Seltice Way North, Post Falls, key #11023, from FY11 of the FY08 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program.
The motion passed 4-1 with Member Sweeney dissenting. Member Miller was not present for the discussion and vote on this item.
Update of Board Policies, B-13-02, Public Involvement for
Location and Design Determinations, and B-20-03, Public Hearings. Public
Involvement Coordinator
Vice Chairman McClure made a motion, seconded by Member Gagner, and passed unopposed, to approve the following resolution:
RES. NO. WHEREAS,
ITB08-13 Design Determinations, governs when public involvement will be sought on transportation projects to ensure that project locations and designs are consistent with federal, state, and local goals and objectives; and
WHEREAS, B-13-02 states that location and design determinations shall be made only after full consideration of transportation needs, socioeconomic, and environmental factors and a review of official public hearing testimony for projects where a public hearing was held; and
WHEREAS, B-13-02 states that ample opportunity is provided for public input; and
WHEREAS, Idaho Transportation Department staff in the Roadway Design Section and the Office of Communications reviewed the policy and do not recommend changes.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board approves Board Policy B-13-02, Public Involvement for Location and Design Determinations.
Vice Chairman McClure made a motion, seconded by Member Sweeney, and passed unopposed, to approve the following resolution:
RES. NO. WHEREAS,
ITB08-14 ensuring the public is involved in transportation decisions and activities; and
WHEREAS, B-20-03 ensures the Idaho Transportation Department will give the public the opportunity to comment on proposed transportation projects, review proposed alternatives and any new developments; and
WHEREAS, B-20-03 ensures the public shall be afforded early and continuing involvement in the identification of social, economic, and environmental impacts as well as impacts associated with relocation of individuals, groups, or institutions; and
WHEREAS, B-20-03 ensures public hearings shall be held to provide the public with the opportunity to receive information, discuss findings and proposed actions, and offer comments about transportation projects in the following areas: purpose and need for the proposed project; major location/design features or location of new routes; alternate courses of action; social, economic, and environmental affects; modification of the state highway system; and transportation planning; and
WHEREAS, Department staff in the Office of Communications reviewed the policy and does not recommend changes.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board approves Board Policy B-20-03, Public Hearings.
Annual Report on Audits. Internal Review Manager (IRM)
Some of the activities completed in 2007 included a review of expense reports, Purchase Card use, and out-of-state travel; a joint review with FHWA on construction contracts; an audit of the Connecting Idaho Partners to ensure it is following the procedures to which it has committed and that adequate controls are in place; a joint review of the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council, focusing on financial and compliance issues; and an audit of a public transportation sub-grantee.
IRM Rosti said some of the focus areas for 2008 are to improve the office’s efficiency by using Audit Documentation Software, expand the use of Risk Assessments in Audit Planning, and assure that ITD is meeting its financial management responsibilities in a cost effective manner.
Chairman Manning thanked IRM Rosti and staff for the thorough presentation.
Employee Safety and Risk Management Program. Safety
and Risk Management Manager (SRMM)
SRMM Rost said future plans include implementing the revised standardized equipment lighting statewide and assessing its impact; implementing procedures to test innovative ideas in controlled settings; and promoting security and emergency preparedness statewide, both at work and home.
Chairman Manning thanked SRMM Rost for the annual report.
Video – Rebuilding
of MacArthur Maze. DDIR Stokes showed a video depicting the rebuilding
of a portion of a freeway in
Old/New Business. Economics and Research Manager
Earlier, Member Blick asked staff to consider assisting the
Filer and Twin Falls Highway Districts with improvements to 2400 East and
DE 4 Rigby clarified that if Stage 2 of the alternate route is funded, state funds would not be necessary to assist the local jurisdictions. Improvements to the local roads would be included in the US-93 project.
In response to Chairman Manning’s question on the urgency of this issue, DE Rigby replied that the highway districts are planning to complete the work with local forces. Due to scheduling concerns, the highway districts would like to know the Board’s decision soon so they can adjust their work schedules accordingly.
Member Gagner asked about the condition of the ITD route that would not be funded at this time. DE Rigby stated that the highway is in poor condition and improvements are needed.
Member Blick made a motion to approve payments in the amount
of $306,981 and $430,000 to the Twin Falls Highway District and Filer Highway
District, respectively to improve
Although Vice Chairman McClure concurs with the Department’s responsibility to assist the local entities, he expressed concern with taking funds from a needed overlay project.
The motion passed 4-2 with Vice Chairman McClure and Member Gagner dissenting.
WHEREUPON, the Idaho Transportation Board’s regular monthly meeting officially adjourned at 3:20 PM.
__________________signed________________
DARRELL V MANNING, Chairman
Read and Approved
April 17, 2008