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Idaho Transportation Department
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REGULAR
MEETING AND DISTRICT TWO TOUR
OF
THE
April 16-17, 2008
The Idaho Transportation Board met at 8:15 AM, on Wednesday,
April 16, 2008, in
Darrell V Manning, Chairman
Monte C. McClure, Vice Chairman–
District 3
Bruce Sweeney, Member – District 2
Jim Coleman, Member – District 1
Neil Miller, Member – District 5
Lee Gagner, Member – District 6
Sue S. Higgins, Secretary
District 2 Tour. City of Lewiston/Nez Perce County Regional Airport Manager Robin Turner thanked the Board for visiting the airport. He summarized the activities at the facility. An industrial park is being developed at the south end. It will provide new economic development opportunities for the region. A number of partners are involved in this effort and construction is anticipated to start next year. Manager Turner encouraged the Board to support airport land use planning legislation to ensure adequate protection from non-compatible encroachment.
The Board traveled to the
The tour continued north on US-95 to Potlatch. After lunch
with maintenance employees, Potlatch Mayor David Brown summarized the curb and
gutter project planned on SH-6. He requested the addition of sidewalks as part
of that project. Senior Environmental Planner Zachary Funkhouser explained the
procedures for storm water monitoring during construction. He also provided an
update on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the US-95,
Thorncreek to
The Board traveled US-95 south to
The Board traveled to
Mayor Chaney added that the city’s desire is to provide a walkable community. It would like to connect sidewalks and provide alternative means of transportation. Valley Transit Executive Director Tom LaPointe provided an update on the area’s public transit services and mentioned that ridership has been increasing.
The tour continued south on US-95. At the roving port of
entry (POE) site north of
The Board returned to
WHEREUPON the tour and meeting recessed at 4:05 PM.
April 17, 2008
The Board reconvened at 8:30 AM on Thursday, April 17, 2008,
at the Idaho Transportation Department District 2 Office in
Board Minutes. Member Gagner made a motion to approve the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on March 19, 2008 and the minutes of the special Board meeting held on April 4, 2008 as submitted. Member Miller seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Board Meeting Dates. The following meeting dates and locations were scheduled:
May 21-22, 2008 – District 4
June 17-19, 2008 – District 3
July 16-17, 2008 – District 1
Consent Calendar. Member Blick made a motion, seconded by Member Sweeney, and passed unanimously, to approve the following resolution:
RES. NO. NOW
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the
ITB08-15 approves the FY08 federal Scenic Byway discretionary funding request; revisions to Board Policy B-03-01, Acquisition and Disposal of Real Properties and their Improvements; revisions to Board Policy B-38-01, Coordination with Idaho Traffic Safety Commission; and increase in design work under existing work task agreement; and has received and reviewed the contract award information; the program and district obligation graphs and tables, monthly status report; and the February financial statement.
1) FY08 Federal Scenic Byway Discretionary Funding Request. Funding is available on a nationally competitive basis for routes that have been designated as a state scenic, historic, or back country byway and All American Roads and National Scenic Byways. The Scenic Byways Advisory Committee submitted a list of prioritized projects for the Board’s consideration. A match of 20% is required. Upon approval, the request will be transmitted to the Federal Highway Administration. The projects, with the federal amount being requested, include:
2) Board Policy B-03-01, Acquisition and Disposal of Real Properties and their Improvements. Because this policy was last signed in 1997, staff reviewed it to ensure it is still applicable and current. Revisions were made to the administrative settlement language to reflect current procedures and the Code of Federal Regulations reference.
3) Board Policy B-38-01, Coordination with
4) Increase in Design Work Under Existing Work Task
Agreement. The SH-21,
5) Contract Awards. Key #11006 – I-84, Garrity Interchange
to
Key #9236 – US-93,
Key #9005 – US-20, Rigby, North and South, District 6. Low bidder: H-K Contractors, Inc. - $7,669,770.
Key #9816 – I-84,
Key #10533 – I-84, Leveling Course, Cleft to Sebree, District 3. Low bidder: Central Paving Company, Inc. - $1,899,487.
The low bid on key #10589 – SH-48/US-26 Business, Rigby-Ririe, District 6, was more than ten percent over the engineer’s estimate, requiring justification. The difference between the engineer’s estimate and low bid are in CRS-2R Emul Asph for Seal Coat, Cover Coat Material Cl A, and Cover Coat Material Cl B. Staff believes that inflation in fuel and asphalt, compounded by bidding the project late in the fiscal year, resulted in bids exceeding the engineer’s estimate. Given the trend of higher fuel and asphalt prices, it is unlikely that lower bids would be received if the project is re-advertised. The District has identified funds that can be used to fund the additional costs and recommends awarding the project. Low bidder: H-K Contractors, Inc. - $633,123.
The low bid on key #11461- I-84, Crestview Road
Keys #9347 and #9435 – US-95, Parma Business District and
The low bid on key
6) Program and District Obligation Graphs and Tables, Monthly Status Reports. As of March 31, $99.2 million had been obligated for highway projects in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, or 26% of the planned amount. The total amount obligated for construction projects was $82.9 million. Obligation information by program and district and project status reports for 2008 projects were also presented.
7) February Financial Statement Analysis. Total federal aid was $54.8 million ahead of the year-to-date projections. Highway Distribution Account year-to-date revenue was $1.6 million ahead of the revised forecast. Expenditures for personnel were less than budgeted through the month. Operating expenditures reflected a .9% negative variance. The Operating Expenditures budget will be hard pressed this year because of the need to replenish the highway materials used during the high maintenance winter. In contract construction, the federal and state programs were ahead of projections by 35% and 4%, respectively.
Federal aid revenue to the State Aeronautics Fund was $169,000 below year-to-date projections. Aviation fuel tax revenue received through February was 14%, or $157,978, more than projections. Miscellaneous revenue was 4% below the year-to-date forecast. Overall expenditures were 20%, or $261,000, more than budgeted.
In the GARVEE Capital Projects Fund, expenditures in the amount of $58.4 million were made on authorized projects. Utilization of bond proceeds was $5.7 million less than the cash flow projected through the end of the month. During February, the $589,296 monthly payment of the state share of the debt service payment was made from the GARVEE Debt Service Fund.
Board Items. Chairman Manning said the legislature authorized a performance evaluation of the Department. Progress reports will be provided periodically, with the first one due in December 2008. He also met with the Governor’s Office to discuss a strategy to secure additional transportation revenue.
Member Coleman reported on a meeting with INSIDE
At a recent meeting with local officials, Member Blick mentioned the Department’s use of magnesium chloride and that some Districts are using this de-icer less. Some officials were concerned that they would not be able to continue using magnesium chloride if ITD discontinues using it. Magnesium chloride is often used for dust abatement in summer. Member Blick said he told the officials that ITD’s use of the substance would have no impact on the locals’ operations.
Director’s Report. Director Lowe said two GARVEE projects are being advertised, one on US-95 and one on I-84.
U.S. Senator John McCain proposed suspending the federal
fuel tax between Memorial Day and Labor Day to provide relief to motorists.
Director Lowe said the impact of that suspension would be approximately $52
million to
Director Lowe reported that staff is working with the Governor’s Office and Senator Crapo’s staff on a transportation summit. The intent of the event, tentatively to be held in August, is to focus on reauthorization at the federal level and to highlight funding issues.
Director Lowe said she and some other key staff members plan to visit each District and every Division and Section at Headquarters in the next several months.
In conclusion, Director Lowe reported that Chief Engineer (CE) Steve Hutchinson has announced his retirement. His last day in the office will be June 27. She expressed appreciation for his service and added that his expertise will be missed.
Adopt-A-Highway. Member Sweeney thanked John Allen and Cooper Thomas for their participation in the Adopt-A-Highway Program. He expressed appreciation for their valuable service to the state. The two neighbors have been picking up trash along US-12 since 2006.
Revisions to Board Policy B-09-04, Corridor Planning for
Member Blick made a motion, seconded by Vice Chairman McClure, and passed unopposed, to approve the following resolution:
RES. NO. WHEREAS,
Board Policy B-09-04, Corridor Planning for
ITB08-16 established the procedures for corridor planning in February 1998; and
WHEREAS, corridor planning provides for the protection of transportation investments, the promotion of a shared state and local vision, the early identification of transportation issues and problems, the resolution of major planning issues prior to project development, and the application of the most economic and efficient solutions; and
WHEREAS, corridor plans provide a basis for updating the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program and longer-term planning documents such as the Horizons in Transportation Program, the state long-range transportation plan, and district transportation plans; and
WHEREAS, the Secretary to the Board has directed staff to review and update this policy to accommodate needed modifications.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that revised Board Policy B-09-04, Corridor Planning for Idaho Transportation Systems, is approved as revised.
Capital Investment Program Levels for the Fiscal Years 2009 – 2013 Draft Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). Manager, Transportation Investments (MTI), Dave Amick requested guidance to develop the draft (STIP). Senior Budget Analyst Joel Drake provided an overview on the Department’s anticipated funds and summarized the projected allocation of those funds. By FY13, staff believes there will be no state funds available for construction projects and insufficient state funds to match all of the available federal dollars.
MTI Amick reviewed the funding level requested by each Program Team to meet the objectives of each individual program. Due to a projected revenue shortfall, not all of the programs can be funded at levels that they have historically been funded. Additionally, funds to replenish stockpiles have not been identified yet.
Preserving the existing highway system is the Department’s top priority. Planning Services Manager Gary Sanderson said the basic strategy is to repair 600 lane miles per year. The plan includes preserving 500 lane miles at an estimated cost of $85 million and restoring 100 lane miles at a cost of $50 million. Member Sweeney commented that some routes are not good candidates for an overlay due to the narrowness of the road or substandard condition of the route. He does not believe those roads should be included in the pavement preservation goal of 18% deficient pavement.
MTI Amick outlined several options to address the funding shortfall. Staff recommends Option A, which minimizes disruption to existing projects in the STIP. It suspends solicitation for new CMAQ, Enhancement, and State Board Unallocated projects in FY11-13; removes existing System Planning projects in FY10-12 and suspends solicitation for projects in FY13; and increases the Pavement and Bridge Preservation and Restoration Program to the funding that is available after the previous adjustments are made, or approximately $136.7 million. The Pavement Team, however, requested $166.6 million for this program. MTI Amick also mentioned that the Department has received numerous letters of support for continued funding of the Enhancement and to a lesser extent, CMAQ Programs.
Member Coleman suggested reducing the Rest Area Program. Member Blick expressed concern with impacting the Rest Area Program, although he concurred that a short-term reduction to that program may be acceptable. He also discouraged eliminating the Board Unallocated Account, because that program has been used to fund emergencies recently. Vice Chairman McClure also expressed concern with eliminating the Board Unallocated Account. Although he supports Option A, he asked staff to consider establishing a fund for emergencies. He also believes it is important to discuss long-term plans. Staff is seeking guidance for the current STIP update, but if additional revenue is not secured, the Board will need to discuss its highest priorities for funding and determine what additional programs may need to be reduced.
Vice Chairman McClure made a motion, seconded by Member Miller, to approve the following resolution:
RES. NO. WHEREAS, it is in the public’s interest for the Idaho Transportation Department to publish and
ITB08-17 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, the Department’s goal is to maintain 82% of State Highway System pavements in good or fair condition; and
WHEREAS, the Pavement Team estimates that $85 million annually of pavement preservation and $50 million annually of pavement restoration activities are required to meet and maintain this goal; and
WHEREAS, projected federal revenues for capital investments in FY09 to FY13 are flat; and
WHEREAS, projected state funding for capital investments are declining; and
WHEREAS, program levels already fully utilize all projected revenue; and
WHEREAS, the Expansion Program contains commitments for federal obligation of GARVEE debt service, for federal advanced construction payback for projects underway, and for Practical Design projects with efficiencies optimizing funding for roadways; and
WHEREAS, the Board has appreciated the numerous comments from the public in support of continued funding for long supported federal programs such as the Surface Transportation Program – Enhancements and Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Programs; and
WHEREAS, the Board will continue to re-evaluate funding options as new funding information becomes available; and
WHEREAS, the program levels presented in the April 2008 Board meeting as Option A minimize delays to existing projects and programs in the STIP, while continuing the Department’s funding for core programs preserving the State Highway System.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board selects the program
levels presented in the April 2008 Board meeting as Option A, as shown as
Exhibit 357, which is made a part hereof with like effect, for programming
projects in developing the Draft FY09-13 Statewide Transportation Improvement
Program to be reviewed again by the Board in June 2008 and published for public
review and comment in July 2008.
Member Miller expressed support to continue funding the Local Program. He believes maintaining a good relationship with local officials is important. Member Sweeney said future discussions should include reducing the GARVEE Program. With reauthorization of the federal transportation bill coming up, ITD’s federal funding is unknown. Reauthorization may impact decisions on the GARVEE Program. He believes all Programs should be considered for funding cuts. Member Blick concurred, but added that he is committed to the GARVEE projects that have been authorized to date.
The motion passed 4-2 with Members Blick and Sweeney dissenting.
Draft Strategic Focus Area Plans. DDIR Stokes summarized the Strategic Planning Team’s efforts to develop a new mission, vision, and strategic plan for the Department. As a result, four teams were established to address focus areas: investing in our people; expanding and enhancing partnerships; leading through agency performance; and improving our customer service culture. The teams were directed to establish recommendations to address both short-term and longer-term issues.
Investing in Our People team leader Mary Harker, Human Resources Manager, summarized the action plans for the three identified themes: establish, implement and sustain a set of organizational and cultural values that define ITD; be an employer of choice; and create and maintain a positive work environment where people thrive.
CE Hutchinson, Expanding and Enhancing Partnerships team leader, said the team’s purpose is to develop an action plan to further ITD’s use of partnerships, both internal and external, to provide an efficient, safe, and cost effective multi-modal transportation system. He elaborated on the action plans for the themes to establish a partnership culture and policies; identify and validate existing partnerships; and identify and establish future partnerships.
The Leading through Agency Performance team will recommend a process to develop a performance management model with suggested measurements, according to team leader Dave Tolman, Administrator, Division of Administration. The action plan has a department-wide focus. The themes are: identify, evaluate, and define successful agency performance management; identify and describe appropriate models; develop an implementation plan; and establish a performance management office.
Alan Frew, team leader for Improving Our Customer Service Culture, said the team established a philosophy of: the Idaho Transportation Department is dedicated to meeting or exceeding the expectations of external and internal customers in an efficient, courteous and knowledgeable manner. The themes are: assess customer satisfaction with current products and service delivery and determine necessary improvements; and develop an ITD customer service change management and implementation plan.
Chairman Manning
thanked staff for the update on this important project. The Board expressed
support for the themes and direction of the teams.
Transportation Development Agreement Process. Sonna Lynn Fernandez, Senior Transportation Planner (STP), summarized efforts to implement Transportation Development Agreements (TDAs). The agreements are between the Department, land use agencies, metropolitan planning organizations, highway districts, and developers. The purpose of TDAs is to encourage intergovernmental coordination, provide an additional finance tool for transportation improvement projects needed to meet the demand for access, and mitigate traffic-related impacts caused by development. Voluntary fees collected from developers/landowners will be used to finance the transportation improvement projects related to the development. The Department and developer will plan and study the impacts of the proposed development and incorporate needed additions, if any, to the state highway system. STP Fernandez said the TDAs are a result of requests by local governmental agencies and developers to focus on public-private partnerships to fund needed transportation systems related to development.
The Board expressed
support for transportation development agreements and thanked STP Fernandez for
her efforts.
Executive
Session on Legal and Personnel Issues, Section 67-2345(b), (d), and (f),
A discussion was held on legal matters related
to potential impacts to the operation of the state highway system; the US-95,
Sandpoint North and South project; and matters exempt from public disclosure related
to contract negotiations.
A discussion was held on personnel issues
related to public officers.
The Board came out of executive session at 1:30 PM. No final actions or decisions were made.
Design Approval for the I-84, Ten Mile Interchange, Key
#9815, District 3. Project Manager Sue Sullivan said six interchange design
options and various realignments of impacted local roads have been evaluated
for a new interchange to be constructed at
Member Sweeney made a motion, seconded by Vice Chairman McClure, and passed unopposed, to approve the following resolution:
RES. NO. WHEREAS,
western
ITB08-18
WHEREAS, a lack of local road
connectivity to I-84 exists in western
WHEREAS, a new interchange will relieve congestion at the existing adjacent interchanges; and
WHEREAS, a new interchange is consistent with the I-84 Corridor Plan; and
WHEREAS, a new interchange is consistent with the Metropolitan Planning Organization Regional Long Range Plan; and
WHEREAS, a new interchange is compatible with the City of Meridian Ten Mile Specific Area Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Idaho Transportation
Board has scheduled the development of a new interchange on Interstate 84 at
WHEREAS, the Idaho Transportation Department has conducted public meetings and a public hearing in conformance with the National Environmental Protection Act, providing information to the public and receiving comments from the public; and
WHEREAS, construction of an
interchange at
WHEREAS, the Board has reviewed the hearing testimony from the December 4, 2007 hearing.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board approves alternative S3 for the Ten Mile Road Interchange, a single point urban interchange with a Ten Mile Road alignment shifted to the west; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that District 3 is granted design approval and authorization to complete final design for the project.
Professional Services Agreements and Term Agreement Work Task Report. CE Hutchinson reported that $769,192 in new professional service agreements and work tasks were processed from March 1 through March 23. The agreements were issued due to the need for special expertise. Four supplemental agreements to existing agreements were processed in the amount of $141,000 during this period.
Idaho’s Mobility and Access Pathway. Public
Transportation Administrator (PTA) Randy Kyrias said staff initiated a process
to evaluate the status and desired future of public transportation in
PTA Kyrias said some of the notable aspects of IMAP are the approach fully supports and complements the direction provided in “Idaho’s Transportation Vision 2004-2034”; the user is the primary customer for all stakeholders; public transportation is relevant in Idaho; transportation needs are best defined by local communities; success relies on local leadership and commitment; significant need for coordination exists, especially between urban and rural communities; Idaho’s rural nature makes mobility management more challenging; and the system and services need to strike a balance between efficient and effective.
Valley Transit Executive Director LaPointe expressed appreciation for this valuable undertaking. He emphasized the importance of providing citizens with transportation options.
Vice Chairman McClure made a motion, seconded by Member Coleman, and passed unopposed, to approve the following resolution:
RES. NO. WHEREAS, the Public Transportation Advisory Council, Interagency Working Group,
ITB08-19 Statewide Mobility Stakeholders, and
the Division of Public Transportation collaborated to define the future of
mobility and multi-modal transportation within the State of
WHEREAS, more than 600 individuals statewide participated in this process; and
WHEREAS, this effort illuminated many key findings, including:
· Regardless of the stakeholder, the primary customer for all is the user and potential user of transportation and mobility services,
· It is imperative that local stakeholders establish and support local mobility networks,
· Effective mobility networks start at the local level and are led by local leadership,
·
Aggregating local mobility networks generate
opportunities for coordination and connectivity,
·
Recognition that public transportation and mobility services are
relevant in
·
·
WHEREAS, the collaboration produced the “
WHEREAS, IMAP describes the way in which the state and its many stakeholders will restructure and refocus themselves so that a most meaningful Statewide Mobility Management Plan, guided by customer needs being met through the efforts of local leadership, can be generated and pursued; and
WHEREAS, while many goals and objectives within IMAP rely on the Division of Public Transportation to lead and implement, it is clearly a plan that makes engagement and leadership of those at the local level its fundamental element of success; and
WHEREAS, the Division supports the development and coordination of locally designed mobility management networks—the foundation of Idaho’s mobility management system and services—and integrates and develops those into a comprehensive and coordinated Mobility Network articulated in the Statewide Mobility Management (Public Transportation) Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Division shall provide leadership and support by helping to coordinate and maximize all mobility management resources to provide accessibility and mobility, and by developing and supporting the availability of technical, informational, and educational resources that generate system efficiencies and viability; and
WHEREAS,
· Mobility of the future must be planned, preserved, developed, operated, and maintained in a fully integrated manner,
· Mobility of the future will support the citizen’s desired quality of life and be endorsed by stakeholders and citizens who own and use the system,
· Mobility of the future will be provided through adequate funding that allows multi-modal flexibility, with state and local commitment to integrated transportation and land use planning,
· Mobility of the future will support transportation choices for all individuals and clearly address the needs of all populations, including those with low incomes, people with disabilities, and the aging population.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Idaho Transportation Board commends all those who have participated in this visioning process and authorizes staff to continue the Division’s efforts in building a statewide coalition of mobility management stakeholders with the intent to further define and pursue statewide multi-modal coordinated transportation based on a system of true mobility management; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Division of Public Transportation report back to the Board when draft local network plans are completed, and also as significant milestones are achieved and it becomes appropriate for the Board to consider further action.
Chairman Manning welcomed Representative Liz Chavez to the meeting.
Legislative Report. Budget, Policy, and
Intergovernmental Relations Manager (BPIRM)
Chairman Manning thanked BPIRM Pipal for the report. He also expressed appreciation to the staff members for their efforts during the legislative session.
New Business. Member Blick expressed concern with the
sufficiency rating of the US-2,
WHEREUPON, the Idaho Transportation Board’s regular monthly meeting officially adjourned at 2:35 PM.
_______________signed_______________
DARRELL V MANNING, Chairman
Read and Approved
May 22, 2008
Shoshone,