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Macon Area Transportation Study memberships By-Laws Citizens Advisory Committee here Caution Macon |
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MATS - Policy
Committee 4-1-09
My Notes taken for the CAC: Forest Hill Road: Request by the CAC to Policy to consider an interim measure of resurfacing FHR because it will be more than 10 years before any money is available for construction. FHR is listed in the LRTP for the year 2020. Turn lanes could be added during the resurfacing of FHR at Wimbish and at Ridge Avenue. All done within the existing ROW. This would greatly assist traffic flow at these intersections. Someone said that resurfacing FHR is "no-go", because engineering drawings would have to be modified if new asphalt raises the roadbed, and if turn-lanes are added. I asked how much extra it would cost to redo or update the plans if resurfacing is done... Van Etheridge estimated M-A could do the modifications for about $50,000. IMHO- This is a relatively small amount for the safety and convenience for the citizens for 10 more years. Also, the $50,000 for updated-refienments of the engineering drawings - Would Need to Be Done Anyway because it has been a number of years since the surveying was done. Potholes on FHR can be repaired by the City (Call 751-9124 according to Bill Causey) or call the county for parts outside the city... Bibb Co. engineer Ken Sheets did not volunteer a number to call for Bibb County repairs. Roundabouts: GDOT's Tom Queen described how the funding for Roundabouts is up-to 100% from FHWA if there are certain documented safety problems with the existing intersection. He said the Lamar Rd Roundabout is scheduled for 2012. Joe Allen asked him if it could be moved up because this intersection is so accident prone. Queen said that GDOT did not have the money to do it before then, but with FHWA reimbursements, maybe this project could be moved up. Next meeting is May 1st A Special Called Meeting - to pass the TIP after a 30 day notice for public input into the "draft TIP" Then 30 more days before sending the TIP to FHWA in order to be qualified for their funding.
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POLICY
MEETING MINUTES (Official) April 1, 2009 A meeting of the MATS Policy Committee was held on April 1, 2009 in the Bibb Co. Engineering Annex. There were 8 voting members present, thereby establishing a quorum. The meeting agenda and the minutes of the previous meeting were both approved by the Policy Committee members. Mayor Reichert awarded Vernon Ryle a resolution of appreciation for his years of service on the MATS Policy Committee. Under the Committee reports, James Webb presented a memo that was prepared by the CAC. The CAC members expressed concerns about the need for the Second St. bridge project. James Webb inquired if the earmark for this project could be used for something else. Radney Simpson stated that it would require an act of Congress to alter the earmark for this particular project. Subsequently, Tom Queen stated that this project is being proposed as a long range project. Under the TCC report, Jim Thomas stated that a meeting was held at the RDC to discuss the Sgoda Rd. project. The members in attendance at the meeting agreed that this was an important regional project and expressed a desire to implement a study on this matter. The first agenda item discussed was the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) presented by Jim Thomas. He stated this document specifies the work schedule for the MPO and how the grants are utilized. Subsequently, a motion was made by Sam Hart and Radney Simpson to adopt the UPWP which was approved unanimously. The next item on the agenda was the Model Network and Emission Analysis presented by Patti Schropp of PBS&J. She commented that the federal legislation requires an update of the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) because of the current nonattainment status for Macon in regards to air quality. The area that is currently in nonattainment consists of Bibb Co. and a part of Monroe Co. However, the standards in regards to nonattainment are reviewed periodically. Mayor Reichert inquired about the possibility of moving the air quality monitor from Brosnan Yard to another location. Mrs. Schropp stated that EPD could be contacted about relocating the monitor. Subsequently, Radney Simpson stated that a formal letter should be sent to the EPD to inquire about other possible locations for the monitor. In regards to the MATS Model Network, Mrs. Schropp stated that the model involves the preparation of socio-economic data, the identification of projects, and the application of the travel demand model. She also reviewed the level of service for the road system based on build and no build options. The model that was constructed for Macon is based on census data and traffic counts and is similar to models that other MPOs use around the country. Lindsey Holliday expressed concerns about the model. He stated that there were certain assumptions in the model that were incorrect and policy makers need to be made aware of that. The next item on the agenda was the 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) presented by Don Tussing. He presented a list of projects that will be included in the LRTP. In addition, the list included projects in Jones Co. that came from the plan prepared by Georgia D.O.T. The projects for the LRTP were inflated by five percent to give an estimate of future costs. Mr. Tussing also commented that the third segment of the Jeffersonville Rd. project had been moved out to the 2030 network in the LRTP. Steve Layson had some concerns regarding this because of the amount of funding that had already been spent on the Jeffersonville Rd. project. In addition, Joe Allen commented that he would prefer that other projects be moved out instead of Jeffersonville Rd. It was further stated that the other sections of the Jeffersonville Rd. project had been removed from the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) due to the lack of available funding. Mayor Reichert stated that the amount of time available to complete the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) was limited. Therefore, a motion was made by Mayor Reichert and seconded by Sam Hart to approve the draft (LRTP). After some discussion, the motion was approved by the Policy Committee members except for Joe Allen who opposed it. Sam Hart voiced some concern about the unavailability of funding for the Jeffersonville Rd. projects in the TIP. He suggested that other projects be removed instead of Jeffersonville Rd. Therefore, a motion was made by Sam Hart and seconded by Joe Allen to draft a letter to Georgia D.O.T. requesting that the first two segments of the Jeffersonville Rd. project be put back into the TIP. The motion was passed by the members in attendance. The next item discussed was the Transportation Improvement Program presented by Ken North. He reviewed a list of projects that had been taken out of the TIP due to the project prioritization process and funding constraints. He also discussed the road project changes for FY 2009 -13 and the ARRA funding program for transit. James Webb inquired about the ROW acquisition costs for the I-16/I-75 interchange and it was decided the GDOT project manager should be contacted regarding this matter. A motion was made to adopt the draft TIP and Conformity Determination Report in order to begin the public review process. The motion was passed unanimously by the Policy Committee. Tom Queen presented the Road Project Status Report. Mr. Queen gave an update on the road projects in the MATS area. He stated that the I-75 project from Pierce Ave. to Arkwright is scheduled for construction in FY 2010 and the ROW phase is currently being completed. In addition, the I-75 lighting project at Riverside Dr. is scheduled for construction in July 2009. Under New Business, the Mayor explained that there will be a special called MATS Policy meeting on May 1st in order to approve the final TIP, CDR, and LRTP. Also, James Webb presented a memo from the CAC requesting the resurfacing and placement of turn lanes along Forest Hill Rd. This matter was referred to the TCC for further review and consideration. In addition, the CAC asked that information be furnished in order to explain the need for the Second St. Bridge project. Jim Thomas explained this was originally tied to the South Downtown Connector project but then this project was altered. Subsequently, the Second St. bridge became a congressional earmark project. The Mayor commented that the Second St. bridge project should also be referred to the TCC for further review. Under Old Business, Jim Thomas reiterated the information he had given earlier regarding the Sgoda Rd. extension project. He also explained that plans have changed for Forest Hill Rd. and there are design issues regarding the paving of this roadway. The Mayor also stated that this road has not been approved for state funding for resurfacing because of the redesign problems. Finally, it was decided that a meeting was needed to further discuss the MATS by-laws and the proposed meeting date may be changed. Being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned. |
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Audio of Meeting was recorded by 2 people. Policy Committee
Chairman – Robert Reichert, Mayor, City of Macon Vice-Chairman – Sam Hart, Chairman, Bibb County Commission Miriam Paris - (absent) President, Macon City Council Lonnie Miley - (absent) Chairman,
City of
Macon
Public Works Committee
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MATS
POLICY MEETING
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MATS TECHNICAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES |
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DATE:
Wednesday,
March 18, 2009 AGENDA
--Roll Call --Approval of Minutes 1. Unified Planning Work Program – Adoption of final document 2. MATS Model Network and Emissions Analysis – Presentation by Georgia D.O.T. 3. 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan – Update of plan 4. Transportation Improvement Program – Review of draft document and amendments 5. CAC Comments - Committee Presentation 6. Road Project Status Report – Presented by Georgia D.O.T. 7. Old Business Sgoda Rd. Extension 8. New Business ADJOURN
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MATS
TECHNICAL
COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE
March 18, 2009 Name Representing 1. Van Etheridge MAAI 2. James Webb CAC Chairman 3. Patti Schropp PBS&J 4. Arthur Brook Northwoods Neighborhood 5. Bob Rychel Planning Director, Middle GA RDC 6. Tony Rojas Director, Macon Water Authority 7. David Fortson Bibb Co. Engineering 8. Gigi Cabell City of Macon 9. Don Tussing Macon-Bibb Planning & Zoning Comm. 10. Jim Thomas MATS Project Director 11. Tom Queen David Millen, Georgia D.O.T. 12. Ken North Macon-Bibb Planning & Zoning Comm. 13. Nigel Floyd Macon Traffic Engineer 14. Bill Causey City Engineer 15. Ken Sheets County Engineer 16. Michael Ryan Citizen 17. Greg Brown Macon-Bibb Planning & Zoning Comm. 18. Marshall Grace 19. Kelly Gwin Georgia D.O.T. 20. Carl Jackson General Manager, Macon Transit Authority 21. Sam Baker Georgia D.O.T. 22. Latoya Jones FHWA 23. Greg Floyd Macon-Bibb Planning & Zoning Comm. 24. Clarita Smith Macon Transit Authority 25. Wanzina Jackson Economic & Community Development 26. Lee Johnson Northwoods Neighborhood 27. Lindsay Holliday CAC MATS TECHNICAL
COORDINATING COMMITTEE
March 18, 2009 A meeting of the MATS Technical Committee was held on March 18, 2009 in the Planning & Zoning Office. There were 11 voting members present, thereby establishing a quorum. The minutes of the previous meeting were introduced and approved. At the meeting there were several citizens from the Northwoods neighborhood who made a presentation concerning Lee Rd. at Riverside Drive. Lee Johnson stated that Georgia D.O.T. had temporarily removed the island in front of Lee Rd. As part of the I-75 project at Riverside Dr., a proposal has been made to locate the exit ramps in front of the nearby shopping center. The residents of Northwoods have requested a traffic light at Lee Rd. to allow left turns. A meeting with the Georgia D.O.T. has been set up in the near future to discuss the traffic situation in this area. James Webb presented a memo from the CAC recommending that the Policy Committee address the safety issues in this area. A motion was made and approved to refer this item to the Policy Committee which the voting members approved. The next item discussed was the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) presented by Jim Thomas. He stated there had been no major changes to this document since the draft document was presented at the previous meeting. Subsequently, a motion was made by Kelly Gwin and seconded by Tony Rojas to adopt the final UPWP which was approved unanimously. The next item on the agenda was the Model Network and Emission Analysis presented by Patti Schropp of PBS&J. She commented that the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) is updated every four years because Macon is currently in nonattainment for air quality. In regards to the MATS Model Network, Mrs. Schropp stated that the model involves the preparation of socio-economic data, the identification of projects, and the application of the travel demand model. She also reviewed the daily vehicle miles traveled by level of service based upon different scenarios such as build and no build options. Also there was a discussion of the conformity determination analysis based on the ozone level and PM 2.5. Lindsay Holliday expressed some concerns about the accuracy of the model. He stated there were certain variables in the model that were not taken into consideration. The next item on the agenda was the 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) presented by Don Tussing. He presented a list of projects that will be included in the LRTP. In addition, the list included projects in Jones Co. that will be included in the LRTP. He commented that some of the projects had to be moved back to the 2030 network such as the third segment of the Jeffersonville Rd. project. The 2035 LRTP is currently on the Planning & Zoning website and the public review period will start on April 1st. There was some discussion concerning the Forest Hill Rd. project. Bill Causey stated that this road is a temporary state route and will have to be patched or resurfaced at some point. An application for a state grant for work on Forest Hill Rd. has been submitted but there has been no reply. Tom Queen stated that he would check on this matter. Subsequently, Lindsay Holliday stated that the original Forest Hill Rd. project was a bad design that did not take into consideration public input. Therefore, the Policy Committee should be informed that this project needs to be redesigned. The next item discussed was the draft Transportation Improvement Program presented by Ken North. He presented a list of projects that were scheduled for work in FY 2009 as part of the current TIP which needed to be amended. Subsequently, a list of road projects were also presented that had been taken out of the TIP update due to the project prioritization process and funding constraints. He also discussed the road project changes for FY 2010 -13 as well as the transit projects. In addition, it was commented that the final TIP will contain a list of projects that will be funded through the economic stimulus package. Tony Rojas inquired if there were federal funds available for infrastructure relocation for road projects that were funded through the economic stimulus program. Latoya Jones of FHWA remarked that she would inquire about this matter. After some discussion, a motion was made by Tony Rojas and seconded by Carl Jackson to approve the TIP amendments and the draft TIP which was approved by the committee. The CAC Comments were the next item and James Webb presented a memo from the CAC. One of the items in the memo inquired about the need and purpose for the Second St. bridge project. The CAC felt that this project would disrupt the community in this area and requested additional information concerning the background of this project. Jim Thomas stated that this is an earmark project and the funding for the project will not expire. Michael Ryan commented that as part of the federal stimulus funding, rapid commuter rail should be considered. This would require the widening of the existing railroad tracks. Tom Queen discussed the project status report. He commented that FHWA will be involved in doing studies for two new possible interstates in the state of Georgia. In addition, the Riverside Dr. streetscape project had been moved back from FY 2008 to FY 2010. Under Old Business, Don Tussing discussed the Sgoda Rd. extension project. A meeting was held at the Middle Georgia RDC and the representatives from the surrounding counties had shown interest in pursuing the project. He mentioned that a study for this project will be requested in the future. The actual cost to construct the Sgoda Rd. extension is estimated at $95 million. Under New Business, Carl Jackson discussed the economic stimulus funds that were available for transportation projects in this area. He inquired if there were any other funds available in regards to the economic stimulus package. Jim Thomas stated that he was currently not aware of any other funds at this time. Finally, Don Tussing stated that he had not heard anything back from Georgia D.O.T. regarding the reclassification of the road system that had been requested by County Engineering. Being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned. __________________________ MATS Project Director |
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CAUTION Macon |
| Lindsay 'Doc' Holliday | |
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Holliday Dental Associates 360 Spring Street Macon, GA 31201 |
office 478-746-5695 home 478-742-8699 Thank-You... |