Idaho Transportation Department

WORK SESSION, REGULAR MEETING AND DISTRICT THREE TOUR

OF THE IDAHO TRANSPORTATION BOARD

June 17-19, 2009

The Idaho Transportation Board met at 9:00 AM, on Wednesday, June 17, 2009, in Boise, Idaho. The following principals were present:

Darrell V Manning, Chairman

Jim Coleman, Member – District 1

Jerry Whitehead, Member – District 3

Neil Miller, Member – District 5

Lee Gagner, Member – District 6

Pamela Lowe, Director

Scott Stokes, Deputy Director

Karl Vogt, Deputy Attorney General

Sue S. Higgins, Secretary

Vice Chairman Bruce Sweeney, District 2, participated via video conference.

FY10 Budget Update. Senior Budget Analyst (SBA) Joel Drake summarized changes to the FY10 budget. Some of the impacts include a 3% personnel cost reduction, carryover authority for the $208 million FY09 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds, GARVEE bonding authority in the amount of $82 million, and a GARVEE debt service amount of $28.7 million. Additionally, administrative costs were reduced 10% and out-of-state travel was reduced 33%. The total FY10 budget is $649.4 million.

Federal Reauthorization. Transportation Legislation Policy Specialist Tim Greeley said the current federal surface transportation act will expire on September 30, 2009. Efforts are underway on the next act, with some Congressional discussion on a six-year highway-transit-safety-freight program in the amount of $450 billion. The current revenue to the Highway Trust Fund, which is approximately $38 to $40 billion annually, will not support this proposed program without an increase in the federal gas tax or another revenue source. The Highway Trust Fund is projected to have a deficit in August, 2009.

Revenue Forecast. Economics and Research Manager Doug Benzon provided historical information on ITD’s revenue. He outlined the department’s revenue forecast for FY11. State revenue is expected to increase slightly, partly due to legislation approved in 2009. The main revenue increase will come from the removal of the ethanol exemption and eliminating Idaho State Police and the Department of Parks and Recreation from the Highway Distribution Account distribution formula. Due to the poor economy and lingering effects of high fuel prices last year, revenue from aviation fuel has been less than projected. General economic conditions show a very slow recovery in airline travel.

Draft FY11 Budget. SBA Drake presented the proposed FY11 budget. Available funds are estimated at $565.3 million, including $50.9 million for GARVEE bond payments, $22.2 million for equipment, and $4.9 million for line items. Some of the line items include updating the telephone system at Headquarters, updating the Highway Cost Allocation Study, a new financial planning system, and continuing the Division of Motor Vehicles’ Information Technology modernization.

The maintenance budget has increased 6% in the past 10 years; however, maintenance expenditures have increased 19.6% between FY00 and FY08, according to Assistant Chief Engineer – Operations Greg Laragan. Between 25% and 30% of the maintenance budget is dedicated to winter maintenance. He summarized the anti-icing materials ITD uses and provided historical cost comparisons on the materials. The cost of anti-icing materials is increasing, resulting in less money for other maintenance activities, such as bridge deck maintenance, guiderail upgrades, and safety enhancements. The proposed FY11 budget includes a $2.5 million case load increase for anti-icing material costs.

Maintenance Services Manager Steve Spoor said ITD’s fleet replacement value is over $186 million. The FY11 budget request of $11,237,500 would replace 4% of the road equipment. This consists of 102 units with an estimated buy-back boot of $4,072 and buy-back proceeds of $11,233,428. He elaborated on the buy-back program, where equipment is purchased by bid with a guaranteed buy-back from the vendor at a pre-determined amount after a stated period of time. ITD has the option to sell to the vendor or retain ownership. Benefits of the buy-back program are higher operator morale, reduced operating cost, reduced ownership cost, reduced downtime, and increased maintenance crew efficiency.

SBA Drake concluded the FY11 budget presentation. He noted that there are several items pending, including the amount of non-standard adjustments and the GARVEE bonding authorization request. He also provided funding and cost projections through FY16, which indicate a deficit of $126.5 million by FY16.

Executive Session on Personnel Issues, Section 67-2345(b), Idaho Code. Member Coleman made a motion to meet in executive session at 12 noon to discuss personnel issues. Member Gagner seconded the motion and it passed 4-0 by individual roll call vote. Vice Chairman Sweeney was not present for the vote; however, he joined the executive session via video conference shortly thereafter.

A discussion was held on personnel issues related to the evaluation of a public officer.

The Board came out of executive session at 1 PM. No final actions or decisions were made.

Transportation Investment Program Update. Dave Amick, Manager, Transportation Investments (MTI), provided historical data on federal apportionments and projected apportionments through FY14. To address the estimated $41 million shortfall, three options were considered, with emphasis on operating and preserving the current transportation system. Option A uses new state funding for road and bridge preservation with no further program reductions below the FY09 Program. Option B eliminates expansion projects not yet under contract to increase road and bridge preservation. The last option eliminates the shared local federal funding and projects to increase state highway and bridge preservation. Other options could be explored,

such as prioritizing maintenance and operating activities or prioritizing system condition levels. The draft FY10-13 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program will be presented next month with limited changes.

Assistant Chief Engineer – Development Loren Thomas said continuing inflation in construction materials is impacting the department’s ability to preserve and restore the infrastructure. Although material costs have increased, he noted that recently the number of bidders has also increased. The competition has reduced bid prices. The 2008 program goals included preserving and restoring 600 lane miles annually at an estimated cost of $135 million. In 2009 dollars, preserving and restoring 600 lane miles would cost $185 million. Additionally, bridge preservation and restoration costs in 2008 were $23 million. Today ITD’s basic bridge preservation and restoration strategy costs $57 million.

ARRA Stimulus Funds. MTI Amick summarized the certification and reporting requirements of ARRA funds and the timelines for awarding the money. Seven of ITD’s eight projects on the state highway system have been advertised, while $142 million, or 78% of the highway funds have been obligated. No transit funds have been obligated to date.

WHEREUPON the work session recessed at 3:05 PM.

June 18, 2009

The Board reconvened at 8:30 AM on Thursday, June 18, 2009, at the Idaho Transportation Department District 3 Office in Boise, Idaho. Chairman Manning and Members Coleman, Whitehead, Miller, Gagner, and Gary Blick, District 4, were present. Vice Chairman Sweeney participated via video conference.

Board Minutes. Member Gagner made a motion to approve the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on May 20-21, 2009 and the minutes of the special Board meeting held on May 29, 2009 as submitted. Member Coleman seconded the motion and it passed unopposed.

Board Meeting Dates. The following meeting dates and locations were scheduled:

July 22-23, 2009 – District 1

August 19-20, 2009 – District 6

September 16-17, 2009 – District 4

Consent Calendar. Member Miller made a motion, seconded by Member Whitehead, and passed unanimously, to approve the following resolution:

RES. NO. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Idaho Transportation Board

ITB09-22 approves the reappointment of Public Transportation Advisory Council Members for District 1 and District 4; revisions to Board Policy B-28-01, Public Transportation Program; revisions to Board Policy B-28-02, Public Transportation Advisory Council; deletion of Board Policy B-01-17, Internship Program; relinquishment of Pahsimeroi Highway rights of way to Lemhi County; 2015 Statewide Rural Functional Classification update; and 2010 Division of Financial Management Strategic Plan; and has received and reviewed the CARS 511/Web (Traveler Services System Advisory Council), the contract award information, the professional services agreements and term agreement work task report, and the quarterly report on legal actions and contract claims.

1) Reappointment of Public Transportation Advisory Council (PTAC) Members. The PTAC and Division of Public Transportation request the reappointment of Jim Diffenbaugh and Joe Herring to serve as PTAC members representing Districts 1 and 4, respectively. During their past terms, both individuals have dedicated significant time and energy to Idaho’s Mobility and Access Pathway initiative, leading to its success and improving mobility options in the state. Their new terms will expire in June 2012.

2) Revisions to Board Policy B-28-01, Public Transportation Program. This policy was revised to include the support of the performance management initiative and generating efficiencies. Minor wording changes and grammatical corrections were also made.

3) Revisions to Board Policy B-28-02, Public Transportation Advisory Council. Minor wording changes and grammatical corrections were made to this policy.

4) Deletion of Board Policy B-01-17, Internship Program. This policy was initially developed to ensure that contracting for interns was centralized and budgeted for in a coordinated effort. Because the corresponding Administrative Policy clearly outlines the requirements associated with the internship program, staff recommends deleting B-01-17.

5) Relinquishment of Pahsimeroi Highway Rights of Way to Lemhi County. Rights-of-way were purchased in the mid 1940s along the Pahsimeroi Highway in Lemhi County. The highway begins at the intersection of U-93 at the Ellis Post Office and travels approximately 28 miles southeast to the Lemhi/Custer County Line. ITD does not recognize this route as a state highway, nor is it on the list of future potential state highways. Approximately 14 miles of right-of-way were purchased in separate sections from residents of Lemhi County. Staff recommends relinquishing these portions of highway right-of-way to Lemhi County, as outlined on the official minute, as shown as Exhibit 373, which is made a part hereof with like effect.

6) 2015 Statewide Functional Classification Update. The rural functional classification map of the state highway system was updated. Each District reviewed its highways to determine if functional classification changes are necessary. District 3 recommends upgrading a 5.02 mile section of SH-45 from minor arterial to principal arterial. The statewide rural functional classification map is shown as Exhibit 374, which is made a part hereof with like effect.

7) 2010 Division of Financial Management Strategic Plan. Staff recommends submitting the 2010 Strategic Plan to the Division of Financial Management. The document outlines the intra-agency teams’ action plans for the focus areas: leading through agency performance, expanding and enhancing partnerships, improving customer service, and investing in our people. Additionally, each Section developed action items that will support the focus areas.

8) CARS 511/Web (Traveler Services Advisory Council). At a recent meeting, the Council members were updated on system activity and marketing. Some of the other agenda items included a discussion of ITD’s Continuity of Operations Plan and an overview on the status of 511 enhancements. The Council plans to re-write the software for the low bandwidth website, which was originally developed in 1999 and launched in 2005. Currently, 75% of Idaho 511 website customers use the low bandwidth website. Consideration was given to eventually displaying the travel speed data to be used for Planning’s congestion tracking model on the 511 website. If the information proves accurate and reliable, the Council may pursue adding this information.

9) Contract Awards. Key #9338 – SH-162, Oak Street, Nez Perce, District 2. Low bidder: Crea Construction, Inc. - $1,735,432.

Key #9529 – I-84, King Hill Interchange to West Bliss Interchange, District 4. Low bidder: Western Construction, Inc. - $9,163,623.

Key #11864 – SH-55, FY09 District 3 Region 4 Sealcoats. Low bidder: Snake River Construction, Inc. - $337,590.

Key #8813 – SH-55, Main Street, Donnelly, District 3. Low bidder: Valley Paving & Asphalt, Inc. - $975,116.

Key #10590 – SH-33, 800 East Road to Junction SH-28, District 6. Low bidder: Johnson Excavation, Inc. - $2,057,561.

Keys #11521 and #11523 – US-20, South Rexburg Interchange, Milepost 322 and North Rexburg Interchange, Milepost 337, District 6. Low bidder: Wheeler Electric, Inc. - $306,170.

10) Professional Services Agreements and Term Agreement Work Task Report. From April 28 through May 28, $1,007,795 in new professional services agreements and work tasks were processed. The 13 agreements were issued for local projects and because resources were not available in house and special expertise was required. One supplemental agreement to an existing agreement was processed in the amount of $41,000 during this period.

Board Items. Chairman Manning said he attended several organizational meetings for the task force on transportation. He also attended a meeting with the Washington Transportation Commission earlier this week with Vice Chairman Sweeney, Member Coleman, and several staff members. One of the main topics of discussion was the new I-90 interchange to be constructed in Post Falls.

Member Miller commented on press releases stating that ITD is targeting aggressive driving or other safety-related driving habits. He noted that ITD has no enforcement authority; the department only provides funding for these highway safety campaigns. Public Information Officer Jeff Stratten elaborated on the highway safety campaigns conducted through the Office of Highway Safety. He said future press releases will downplay ITD’s role in these enforcement efforts.

Director’s Report. Director Lowe reported that reauthorization of the federal transportation bill, due to expire on September 30, may be delayed. She elaborated on the administration’s proposal and noted that funding continues to be a concern.

Director Lowe mentioned the Department of Agriculture’s recent communication thanking ITD for assistance with boat inspections. This is related to recent legislation to prevent out-of-state vessels from bringing aquatic nuisance species into Idaho’s waterways.

The Idaho Sheriff’s Association has submitted a letter in support of central issuance of drivers’ licenses, according to Director Lowe.

In conclusion, Director Lowe provided a list of confirmed and tentative ground-breaking and ribbon-cutting ceremonies through September.

Main Oregon Trail Back Country Byway Proposal. Garry Young, Scenic Byways Program Manager, presented a proposal to add a backcountry byway in southwestern Idaho. The 102-mile route begins at Three Island Crossing State Park in Glenns Ferry and travels northwesterly along a route paralleling the Old Oregon Trail north of I-84 to Blacks Creek Interchange east of Boise. Numerous entities, including Districts 3 and 4, support the byway proposal. The Scenic Byways Advisory Committee reviewed the proposal and recommends Board approval.

Member Blick made a motion, seconded by Member Coleman, and passed unopposed, to approve the following resolution:

RES. NO. WHEREAS, the Idaho Transportation Board established the Scenic Byways

ITB09-23 Advisory Committee (SBAC) on June 21, 1996; and

WHEREAS, among its purposes the SBAC is to provide advice and recommendations concerning the Scenic Byway Program to the Board; and

WHEREAS, all local requests for Scenic Byway designation are to be submitted to the SBAC for review and consideration; and

WHEREAS, the Idaho Chapter of the Oregon-California Trails Association submitted a request to designate a 102-mile back country byway in southwest Idaho beginning in the city of Glenns Ferry and traversing a route as follows: from Exit 121 on I-84 easterly along Frontage Road/Pasadena Valley Road, southerly along Rosevear Road, westerly and northerly along Slick Ranch Road, easterly along Old US-30/1^st Avenue, southerly along Commerce Street, westerly along Madison Avenue to Three Island State Park. Then a route north along Bannock Avenue to the Old Oregon Trail Road, then northwesterly paralleling the Old Oregon Trail north of I-84 along Old Oregon Trail Road, Ryegrass Road, Ross Road, Wilson Road, Teapot Road, then southerly along US- 20 to Mountain Home Reservoir Road, then 27^th Street North, 18^th East, 39^th North to Canyon Creek Road, then northerly along Canyon Creek Road to Mayfield Road/ Cemetery Road northwesterly to Blacks Creek Road and on Blacks Creek Road to the Blacks Creek Interchange east of Boise; and

WHEREAS, Districts 3 and 4 are in support of this designation; and

WHEREAS, the SBAC has found the request for this designation to comply with its established criteria, recommending Board approval.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board approves the Main Oregon Trail Back Country Byway along the aforementioned route description; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Main Oregon Trail Back Country Byway shall be so designated on the Idaho Official State Highway Map and signed as such.

Funding Eligibility of De-Icer Chemicals in Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program. Transportation Planning Administrator (TPA) Matt Moore confirmed that purchasing chemical de-icer is a valid use of federal CMAQ funds. This purchase was questioned last month when the Board was informed that the Albion Highway District had requested CMAQ funds to purchase de-icer chemicals. (See later minute entry.) ITD’s CMAQ Program guidelines were designed to prevent and reduce existing and potential air quality nonattainment concerns. Program funding eligibility includes the purchase and use of chemical de-icers and related equipment to reduce sanding-related particulate matter generation and for stabilizing dirt and gravel roads as a palliative. ITD has routinely funded purchase of chemical de-icers, storage, and sweeper/flusher trucks for both ITD and local highway jurisdictions using CMAQ and other state and federal funds for projects and operations. Additional information was provided on ITD’s use of magnesium chloride for dust control and stabilization.

Chairman Manning thanked TPA Moore for the report.

Add Albion Highway District De-icer Purchase to the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). Administrator, Division of Administration (ADA), Dave Tolman said the Albion Highway District purchased a de-icer truck in FY06 via the CMAQ Program. The project, De-icer Truck/Chemicals, Albion Highway District, key #9422, was for a total of $189,000. Due to a misunderstanding, a final voucher was created prior to the purchase of the chemical. Because the project was closed out, it cannot be reopened to purchase the chemicals. ADA Tolman recommends adding a new project in the amount of $13,794 to the FY09 CMAQ Program to correct the earlier miscommunication with the Albion Highway District.

Member Blick made a motion, seconded by Member Miller, to approve the following resolution:

RES. NO. WHEREAS, it is in the public interest for the Idaho Transportation Department to

ITB09-24 accomplish a current, 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-aid highway funding; and

WHEREAS, the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) requires that a priority list of projects covering a four-year period be provided in a Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP); and

WHEREAS, $507,000 in Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality (CMAQ) program funds and obligation authority have been released due to de-obligated apportionments on completed projects; and

WHEREAS, the Albion Highway District wishes to use an amount of $13,794 in funding never used in the FY06 CMAQ project, key #9422, De-icer Truck/ Chemicals, Albion Highway District, to purchase the de-icer chemicals; and

WHEREAS, the FY06 CMAQ project, key #9422, De-icer Truck/Chemicals, Albion Highway District was prematurely closed with a final voucher approved by FHWA in November 2007, prior to the purchase of de-icer chemicals originally planned for the project in FY06; and

WHEREAS, a federally funded project may not be charged for federal reimbursement after FHWA approval of the final voucher.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Board authorizes staff to add a new project called Albion Highway District De-icer Purchase to FY09 of the CMAQ program for an amount not to exceed $13,794; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that staff is authorized to make the appropriate changes to the FY09-13 STIP in accordance with the provisions of SAFETEA-LU.

Member Coleman suggested clarifying the policy. He would like assurance that local entities are financially responsible and are capable of purchasing chemicals and/or operating the equipment on an ongoing basis after the initial purchase with federal funds. Chairman Manning concurred that local public agencies need to be able to take care of their system on an ongoing basis and not rely on federal funds for ongoing operating expenditures.

The motion passed unopposed.

Monthly Financial Statements and Highway Program Obligations. ADA Tolman reported that over $158 million had been obligated for projects in the STIP by the end of May. This is 47% of the planned amount. At the same time last year, nearly $155 million had been obligated.

Controller Gordon Wilmoth said the revenue to the State Highway Fund was $360,995,854, which is 7% below the forecast. Total expenditures of $329,012,356 were below projections, partly because both federal and state funded construction expenditures are lagging. Revenue to the State Aeronautics Fund of $2,340,877 was $374,248 below projections. There is not a significant expenditure variance in this fund.

Member Gagner asked why the actual GARVEE expenditures were approximately $75 million less than the forecasted amount. Deputy Director Stokes responded that a couple of projects were delayed last fall due to economic conditions. Additionally, substantial cost savings have been realized, so less money has been expended.

Member Coleman suggested including a line item on the buy-back program.

Adopt-A-Highway (AAH) Presentation. Member Whitehead recognized Elkhorn Bed and Breakfast for its efforts in the Adopt-A-Highway Program. In 2005 the group adopted two sections of US-95, mileposts 125 to 127 and 129 to 131. He thanked Debra Buckner for her valuable contributions to the state.

SH-8. Chief Engineer Tom Cole reported that the University of Idaho has secured $1.5 million through the Idaho Permanent Building Fund to construct a new access to the campus from SH-8. The existing access point at Rayburn Street and SH-8 will be closed upon completion of this new intersection. The configuration will warrant a traffic signal and provide a stopped condition for pedestrian crossings at a high volume pedestrian location. ITD is responsible for approximately 60% of the cost of the signal installation or $200,000.

Vice Chairman Sweeney made a motion, seconded by Member Coleman, to approve the following resolution:

RES. NO. WHEREAS, the University of Idaho has secured funds through the Idaho

ITB09-25 Permanent Building Fund for $1,565,000 to construct a new main access to the campus from SH-8; and

WHEREAS, the existing access at Rayburn Street and SH-8 will be closed as a result of the new access; and

WHEREAS, the new access will warrant a traffic signal and provide a stopped condition for a pedestrian crossing at SH-8; and

WHEREAS, the Idaho Transportation Department would be responsible for approximately 60% of the signal installation or $200,000.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that District 2 requests the use of Board Unallocated funds for FY10 to cover ITD’s share of the project, $200,000, and that the funds be transferred to the Division of Public Works who is administering the project.

Member Coleman noted that District 1 had a recent partnership project on a traffic signal in Coeur d’Alene; however, District 1 utilized operating funds for that project. CE Cole responded that Districts can budget for projects if staff knows in advance. In this case, District 2 did not know when the University of Idaho would secure the funds for the traffic signal, so it could not budget accordingly.

The motion passed unopposed.

District 3 Action Items from Strategic Plan. District 3 Engineer Dave Jones said some of the District’s partnering efforts have focused on access management and zoning issues. To improve customer service, an office was established to address permit requests, in essence, establishing a one-stop-shop for development issues. That has resulted in a streamlined, more efficient process. Action items related to investing in our people include establishing focus groups to improve communication and allow employees to be heard and spending more time in the field with employees. Some of the leading through agency performance efforts have focused on project scheduling, as timing of projects can be critical, particularly if there are issues such as canals that can impact schedules.

Chairman Manning thanked DE Jones for the informative report.

Statewide Avalanche Program Update. Resident Engineer (RE) Tom Points said the goal of the avalanche program is to minimize risks to the traveling public and ITD maintenance employees. The objective is to keep state highways open during the winter months as long as there are resources to remove snow and the risk of avalanches are low. Four primary avalanche areas are monitored across the state during the winter by the avalanche technicians: SH-21, Canyon Creek; US-12, Lochsa; SH-75, Galena Summit; and US-89, Montpelier. During the 2008-2009 season, SH-21 was closed 21 days, US-12, 3 and SH-75, 1. Nine out of ten road avalanches in Idaho occur in one narrow stretch of SH-21.

RE Points said advantages to controlling avalanches and then removing snow on SH-21 are decreased user costs and economic impacts. Allowing the road to close at the onset of avalanche dangers and then removing all of the snow at the end of the season has the potential to be more disadvantageous. The drawbacks could be the potential road closure from December 1 until Memorial Day; large, consolidated, deep slides; rocks, trees and debris, which could have adverse environmental impacts; and it could take approximately three weeks to remove the debris, requiring more equipment and twice as many employees. He said the direct costs to ITD to keep the road open as much as possible through avalanche control efforts versus allowing SH-21 to close at the first threat of an avalanche and re-open it at the end of the winter season are very comparable. There are other indirect costs to users and communities that result when the road is closed for an extended period; however, there are also additional costs related to forecasting efforts with the current practice of keeping the road open as safety allows.

Chairman Manning thanked RE Points for the informative update. He also welcomed former Board Member Monte McClure to the meeting.

Delegation – City of Meridian. Meridian Mayor Tammy de Weerd recognized former Member McClure for his service and support to Meridian and acknowledged Representative Marv Hagedorn, in the audience, for his support. She thanked the Board for the recent projects it has funded in the Treasure Valley, noting the various improvements to the I-84 corridor. Mayor de Weerd expressed concerns with the I-84, Meridian Road Interchange. She believes reconstructing the interchange would improve safety, reduce congestion, replace a structurally deficient bridge, foster economic development, and alleviate a chokepoint on I-84. She encouraged the Board to rebuild the structure with savings from GARVEE projects. The environmental process has been completed and there is minimal right-of-way needed.

Mayor de Weerd elaborated on partnering efforts. Improvements are being made to the local road system north of the Meridian Road interchange, property owners are being approached about potential partnerships, and the city is interested in maintaining the landscaping at the interchange. She also believes relocating ITD’s maintenance facility near the interchange would be advantageous for both the department and municipality. Mayor de Weerd thanked the Board for its partnership on the new I-84, Ten Mile Interchange, which will be under construction soon. In conclusion, she stated that she will continue to support ITD’s efforts on important issues such as additional funding and Transportation Access Plan legislation.

Member Coleman acknowledged the need to replace the Meridian Road Interchange. He believes there may be some funding options through GARVEE or stimulus savings; however, he also emphasized that there are numerous transportation needs throughout the state that may compete for these funds. Member Blick concurred with the importance of the project, but reiterated Member Coleman’s comments that all of the states’ needs will have to be considered if additional money is available due to savings from other projects.

Chairman Manning thanked Mayor de Weerd for her comments and also for her support on transportation issues. He noted the importance of the Meridian Road Interchange and that it is a vital component of the I-84 corridor.

Governor’s Executive Order – Draft Quarterly Report. Deputy Director (DDIR) Stokes said the Governor’s Executive Order 2009-08 requires quarterly updates to the Governor and chairs of the Senate and House transportation committees on the progress of implementing the findings of the Office of Performance Evaluation (OPE) audit and the American Society of Civil Engineers Peer Review. An annual report is also due no later than January 1.

DDIR Stokes presented the first quarterly report. The strategic action plans established to address the OPE audit are on schedule. These include developing a statewide transportation systems plan; implementing performance management; and implementing Maintenance Management, Pavement Management, Project Scheduling, and Financial Planning Systems. The majority of action items from the Peer Review are on schedule, including improving team building; aligning the strategic planning process with the four focus areas; enhancing professional development opportunities; increasing the focus on proactive highway and bridge maintenance; improving communications; communicating the plans and policies regarding practical design; and encouraging and rewarding employee innovation. Efforts to encourage employee innovation while also providing guidance to ensure consistent, high-quality output for functions that are decentralized is in danger of not meeting the schedule, while no progress has been made on improving staff resources by addressing salary compression and job-classification issues due to the statewide personnel holdbacks.

Discussion followed on the draft report. Some of the suggestions were to include an executive summary, note that referenced material is available upon request, and seek feedback on the report.

IDAPA 39.03.17 Manufactured Homes, Modular Buildings and 39.03.18 Relocation of Houses. Regina Phipps, Vehicle Size and Weight Specialist said the Board approved modifications to Rule 39.03.17, Permits for Manufactured Homes, Modular Buildings, and Office Trailers, at its April 2009 meeting. The revisions allowed the safe and efficient movement of manufactured homes, modular buildings and office trailers exceeding 16 feet wide at the base and a maximum overall width of 18 feet on a case by case basis. The modifications stipulated that there must be a written request for the movement as well as a traffic control plan if requested by the department to ensure the safety of the traveling public. She said that modifications to Rule 39.03.18, Overlegal Permits for Relocation of Buildings or Houses, are needed to coincide with the changes to Rule 39.03.17.

Member Blick made a motion, seconded by Member Miller, and passed unopposed to approve the following resolution:

RES. NO. WHEREAS, the Idaho Transportation Board has authority to approve requested

ITB09-26 changes to Idaho Transportation Department rules; and

WHEREAS, the Board finds the changes to IDAPA 39.03.17 and IDAPA 39.03.18 necessary and an economic benefit to the Manufactured Housing Industry within Idaho.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board approves the following rules to be submitted for change:

Modify Rule 39.03.17 – Rules Governing Manufactured Homes/Modular Buildings/Office Trailers to allow the movement of manufactured homes and modular buildings on a case by case basis and require an approved traffic control plan when exceeding the current 16-foot base and 18-foot overall width limitations.

Modify Rule 39.03.18 – Rules Governing Overlegal Permits for Relocation of Buildings and Houses to ensure that this rule is not in conflict with the proposed change in Rule 39.03.17 that will allow manufactured homes to be wider than 16 feet at the base on a case by case basis; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board approves the request to submit the changes as listed above for Rule 39.03.17 and Rule 39.03.18 and will proceed with the regular rule making process.

Executive Session on Legal and Personnel Issues, Section 67-2345(b), (d), and (f), Idaho Code. Member Gagner made a motion to meet in executive session at 11:25 AM to discuss legal and personnel issues. Vice Chairman Sweeney seconded the motion and it passed 6-0 by individual roll call vote.