Mercer County
Transportation Planning
Mercer County Metropolitan
Planning Organization (MPO)
2006 MPO Meeting
Minutes
SHENANGO VALLEY METROPOLITAN
PLANNING ORGANIZATION
COORDINATING/TECHNICAL COMMITTEE
Tuesday, April 11, 2006 – 10:30 A.M. - MCRPC Offices, Hermitage, PA
PERSONS PRESENT
& REPRESENTING
-
Marcia Hirschmann Hermitage
City
-
Daniel Gracenin MCRPC
-
Jeremy Coxe MCRPC
-
Kevin McCullough PennDOT
-
Don Hall PennDOT, District
1-0
-
Cindy Supel PennDOT
-
Gary Hittle Hempfield
Township
-
Nancy Leone Rep. Dick
Stevenson
-
Bill Petit PennDOT, District
1-0
-
Erin Wiley PennDOT, District
1-0
-
Mariah Hanson PennDOT,
District 1-0
-
Bill Marceau PennDOT
-
Mark Miller Mercer County
-
Deborah Schreckengost PennDOT
-
Vance Oakes Grove City
Borough
-
Pete Longiotti Greenville
Borough
-
Ken Seamans Wilmington
Township
-
Tom Paxton Pine Township
-
Andrea Folkertsma Grove City
Borough
-
Kathy Dimpsey FHWA
-
Gerald Sheatz French Creek
Township
-
Ron Faull Liberty Township
-
Robert Hannigan PennDOT
-
Stephen Theiss Mercer County
Trails Association
-
Bill Jones Mercer County
Regional COG
-
Elliott Lengel Findley
Township
-
Nathan Clark Interested
Citizen
-
Judy Hassler Springfield
Township
-
Phil & Mary Yasnowsky
Interested Citizens
CALL TO ORDER
Ms. Hirschmann called the meeting
to order at 10:30 A.M.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MEETING
JANUARY 31, 2006
Ms. Hirschmann asked for any
additions, corrections or deletions to the Minutes of the January 31, 2006
meeting. There being none, Ms. Hirschmann asked for a motion to approve. Mr.
Seamans so moved, Mr. Hannigan seconded. The motion passed.
APPROVAL OF LONG RANGE
TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Mr. Coxe stated that the Long
Range Plan will not be approved today due to a public hearing scheduled for
April 20th at 7:00 p.m. regarding the Long Range Transportation
Plan and its related documentation. Mr. Coxe explained that the meeting agenda
had been changed just prior to this meeting, we plan to recess this meeting
and reconvene in a couple of weeks in order to take care of this issue along
with some other discussion regarding the Draft TIP. Mr. Coxe stated that the
Long Range Transportation Plan is part of the overall Mercer County
Comprehensive Plan which has been going on for over the past three years. He
explained that the Long Range Plan is available online and at the MCRPC
offices to view prior to the public hearing. Mr. Gracenin explained that we
received a lot of public input regarding the Long Range Plan which will be
included in the Mercer County Comprehensive Plan. In discussion, Mr. Theiss
asked if the CD’s would be made available to the public. Mr. Coxe stated CD’s
will be made available to anyone who might want a copy or they can view/print
it online.
LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR THE CREEK
ROAD PA SCENIC BYWAYS DESIGNATION
Mr. Gracenin explained that the
Scenic Byways Program is a State-wide program also at the Federal level. Creek
Road in New Vernon Township along the lake is a dirt road and over the past
several years, the Township has been trying to find funding to make
improvements to this very scenic road which has a lot of traffic/tourism. New
Vernon Township completed an application to the State to become part of the
Scenic Byways Program for Creek Road. New Vernon Township is requesting the
MPO to make a formal action to support their application be designated. If the
Township would become designated, the Township could apply for some State
funding in order to make improvements to that roadway. Mr. Gracenin also
stated that this would be the first scenic byways designated in Mercer County,
which there are not many across the State. There being no discussion, a motion
was made by Mr. Seamans to approve writing a letter of support for the Creek
Road PA Scenic Byways designation. Mr. Paxton seconded. The motion passed.
2007-2010 TIP UPDATE
Mr. McCullough explained that
PennDOT has been reviewing and making some final decisions regarding the
funding overall for all the TIP’s Statewide. He noted that PennDOT has not
come to a final agreement for the TIP, since a couple of significant projects
Statewide have an impact on everybody’s program. He also stated that the
Draft TIP for Mercer County has not changed from three weeks ago, they do not
anticipate any changes other than a few minor additions to some projects, and
he cannot present the Draft TIP as PennDOT’s approved version yet. In
discussion, Mr. Jones noted that the US 62 bridges moved out a year. Ms.
Hanson stated that they intend to work on the State Street bridge first and
that the line item covers all three of the US 62 bridges. Mr. Coxe asked if
the PA 60/318 interchange had moved out to 2011 for more construction. Mr.
McCullough stated yes and noted that this will not impact anything regarding
the I-376 designation. Ms. Hirschmann asked if there was any further
discussion. There being none, she stated that since PennDOT has not come to a
final agreement Statewide regarding the TIP’s, no action will be taken
today. Mr. Gracenin stated that we would recess this meeting and reconvene in
a couple of weeks in order to review the document and then act on the
2007-2010 TIP, which then can be forwarded onto PennDOT.
In further discussion, Ms. Hanson
noted that under the TIP some projects have earmarks and some have AC or
advanced construction. Mr. McCullough noted that in 2007, the PA 208/I-79
interchange project will have $3 Million in earmark funds that will be
utilized. He also noted that in 2008, the State Street Bridge will have $1.25
Million in earmark funds. In 2010, the East Lake Road relocation project
currently shows $125,000 in earmark funds, but could change after they review
this project further. In 2008, the Greenville Streetscape project will have
$2.5 Million in earmark funds.
There being no further comments,
Ms. Hirschmann stated that we need to reconvene this meeting and reschedule
the meeting in order to act on the TIP and the Long Range Plan. Various dates
were discussed. It was determined that the reconvened meeting would be held on
Tuesday, May 2, 2006 at 10:30 a.m.
2005-2008 TIP ADMINISTRATIVE
ACTIONS
Mr. McCullough explained two
administrative actions taken under the 2005-2008 TIP: 1) transferred funding
to cover additional inspection costs on the Oakland Avenue Bridge for a total
of $200,000. This money was taken from the construction phase of the Chestnut
Street Bridge; and 2) transferred some construction money from right-of-way
for the PA 208/I-79 Interchange. Mr. McCullough stated that these
administrative actions are for informational purposes only and no action is
required.
Mr. McCullough explained one
2005-2008 TIP amendment, which requires an official action from the MPO Board
members. He noted that they transferred funding to add right-of-way and
utility phases to keep the project underway for the Chestnut Street Bridge,
which is fully funded in the draft 2007 TIP. There being no discussion, a
motion was made by Ms. Folkertsma to transfer funding to add right-of-way and
utility phases to keep the Chestnut Street Bridge project underway. Mr. Lengel
seconded. The motion passed.
OTHER BUSINESS
Mr. Gracenin explained that about
3 years ago, the Bylaws Committee started updating their Bylaws regarding
membership, but was put on the back burner. He stated that we received two
requests for membership – Jefferson and Hempfield Townships. Hempfield
Township has always been a member of the Technical Committee, but not the
Coordinating Committee. Mr. Gracenin noted that in the past, we would vote on
new members joining. He stated that we have two options: 1) reconvene the
Bylaws Committee to discuss membership; or 2) take action regarding
membership. Mr. Lengel explained that he was a member of the Bylaws Committee
and feels that we should take action today regarding membership and then
reconvene the Bylaws Committee to update the Bylaws. Mr. Seamans agreed. There
being no further discussion, a motion was made by Mr. Seamans to approve the
request from Jefferson and Hempfield Townships to become members of the MPO
Coordinating Committee. Mr. Longiotti seconded. The motion passed.
Next, Mr. Seamans made a motion
that we reconvene the Bylaws Committee within the next few months. Mr. Lengel
seconded. The motion passed. Mr. Gracenin explained that he will obtain some
information and inform the Bylaws Committee when a meeting will be held.
Mr. Gracenin explained that he
received a letter from the City of Hermitage regarding Intersection
Improvement Projects. The City is not looking for any action today, but
possibly at the next MPO meeting, request STU funds for intersection
improvements. He explained that the City has issued a bond in order to do a
number of things in their community, which would include matching funds as
needed for construction. Mr. Gracenin explained that there would be three
intersection improvement projects: 1) Lamor Road/Valley View Road
intersection; 2) East State Street/Dutch Lane/Maple Drive Intersection; and 3)
East State Street/Kerrwood Drive & East State Street/Ellis Avenue
Intersections. Ms. Hirschmann briefly explained that these projects would
entail upgrading these intersections to provide left turn lanes where needed,
provide pedestrian improvements, include signalization and crosswalks, etc.
Mr. Coxe stated that he would
send a letter to Jefferson and Hempfield Townships informing them that they
are now formally members of the MPO Coordinating Committee and that they
should appoint one voting member and at least one alternate to the
Coordinating Committee at their next Supervisor’s meeting. Mr. Coxe also
noted that he has started the 2006 traffic counting program, through PennDOT,
around Mercer County.
Mr. Petit commented that PennDOT
is in the process of rebuilding the Quaker Bridge on Williamson Road and as
part of that activity they had to deal with historic bridge crossing (the
Quaker Bridge Truss). They are trying to preserve the bridge structure. Mr.
Nathan Clark explained that a local group is interested in preserving it where
it currently is located.
Mr. Gracenin explained that if
anyone is interested, that there will be a GIS meeting on April 24, 2006 at
10:00 a.m. regarding the Pilot Project which will look at the parcels in
depth.
RECESS
Ms. Hirschmann stated that a
motion is needed to recess the meeting. Mr. Seamans made a motion that we
recess the meeting at 12:05 p.m. and reconvene the meeting to Tuesday, May 2,
2006. Mr. Lengel seconded. The motion passed.
Ms. Hirschmann, Chairman
reconvened the meeting of the MPO Coordinating Committee on Tuesday, May 2,
2006 at 10:40 a.m. A quorum was present.
RECONVENED MEETING
SHENANGO VALLEY METROPOLITAN
PLANNING ORGANIZATION
COORDINATING/TECHNICAL COMMITTEE
Tuesday, May 2, 2006 – 10:30 A.M. - MCRPC Offices, Hermitage, PA
PERSONS PRESENT
& REPRESENTING
-
Marcia Hirschmann Hermitage
City
-
Tom Tulip Mercer County Regl.
COG
-
Michele Brooks Mercer County
Commissioner
-
Daniel Gracenin MCRPC
-
Jeremy Coxe MCRPC
-
Kevin McCullough PennDOT
-
Bill Petit PennDOT, District
1-0
-
Margaret Dutkowski U.S.
Senator Rick Santorum
-
Gary Hittle Hempfield
Township
-
Mike Nashtock South
Pymatuning Township
-
Bob Lucas City of Sharon
-
Nancy Leone Rep. Dick
Stevenson
-
Mariah Hanson PennDOT,
District 1-0
-
Mark Miller Mercer County
-
Vance Oakes Grove City
Borough
-
Pete Longiotti Greenville
Borough
-
Ken Seamans Wilmington
Township
-
Dick Brandes Jefferson
Township
-
Tom Paxton Pine Township
-
Andrea Folkertsma Grove City
Borough
-
Gerald Sheatz French Creek
Township
-
Robert Hannigan PennDOT
-
Stephen Theiss Mercer County
Trails Association
-
Bill Jones Mercer County
Regional COG
-
Phil & Mary Yasnowsky
Interested Citizens
APPROVAL OF LONG RANGE
TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Mr. Coxe explained that this item
was tabled at the April 11, 2006 meeting due to a public hearing scheduled for
April 20, 2006 regarding the Long Range Transportation Plan and its related
documentation. He stated that he mailed a CD of the Long Range Transportation
Plan to voting members of the MPO Committee. The Long Range Transportation
Plan is part of the overall Mercer County Comprehensive Plan which has been
going on for over the past three years. The related documentation involves the
Air Quality Resolution and the Long Range Transportation Plan and also public
comments. One public comment was received in writing by Phil & Mary
Yasnowsky which will be addressed in the Long Range Transportation Plan and
will be mailed to PennDOT and FHWA for their approval. Mr. Coxe asked if there
were any questions on the Long Range Plan. A question was raised concerning
how the results of a congestive traffic study in the Grove City area would be
implemented through this plan. Mr. Coxe stated that Gannett Fleming and
PennDOT are currently working on a congestive corridor plan in Grove City
Borough and Pine Township. Once the congestive corridor plan is completed,
discussion with ensue regarding implementation and information regarding this
will be included in the Long Range Transportation Plan. Mr. McCullough stated
that the project would be implemented through the TIP.
Ms. Hirschmann asked if there
were any other questions regarding the Long Range Plan. There being none, Ms.
Hirschmann asked for a motion to approve the Long Range Transportation Plan.
Ms. Folkertsma so moved, Mr. Seamans seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Hirschmann stated that a
separate motion is needed to approve the Air Quality Resolution for
Nonattainment MPO’s. Mr. Coxe stated that this is a standard resolution
which needs to be passed in order to forward to PennDOT and FHWA for their
approval. There being no questions on the resolution, Ms. Hirschmann asked for
a motion to approve the Air Quality Resolution. Mr. Tulip so moved, Mr. Lucas
seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
2007-2010 TIP UPDATE
Mr. McCullough stated that no
action was taken at the April 11, 2006 meeting regarding the 2007-2010 TIP
Update, since PennDOT had to come to a final agreement statewide regarding the
TIP’s. He stated that the Draft TIP for Mercer County remains unchanged
from 3 weeks ago. He highlighted on 2 projects: 1) in 2007, SPIKE funds of
$200,000 will be utilized for final design for the Broadway Corridor; and 2)
in 2009-2010, $6 Million each year of SPIKE funds will be utilized for the
U.S. 62 bridges on the Freeway in the City of Sharon. Mr. McCullough stated
overall the SPIKE funds represent $12.2 Million above and beyond the base
allocation and the EARMARK funds represent $5.5 Million additional funding
above base.
In discussion, Mayor Bob Lucas
from the City of Sharon questioned if the U.S. 62 bridges are slated to begin
in 2008. It was noted that the U.S. 62 bridges will not begin until the
downtown State Street bridge is completed. Mr. Lucas stated that the truck
traffic in downtown Sharon is terrible. He felt that if the Budd Street
property could be opened up, it would help alleviate some of this truck
traffic. It was noted that a truck traffic study will look at opening the Budd
Street crossing. Mr. Lucas also noted that Stewart Avenue, which comes off of
Broadway Avenue, averages 550 trucks a day on this City street, which the
trucks are busting up the road. Mr. Coxe stated that he will be forming a
group from Sharon City Council and Mayor to pick a consulting team to get a
truck traffic study started. Next, there was a question concerning when the
Chestnut Street Bridge was starting. It was noted that construction was to
start in 2007, with the design process being worked on now.
Mr. Coxe stated that the Transit
TIP and the Highway TIP are separate, but are the same thing. The Transit TIP
will be part of the overall MPO TIP. Mr. Jones explained that the Transit TIP
is a living, breathing document that will change over time. He noted that in
2007, they will loose the ability to use Federal funds for operating
assistance. He highlighted 3 projects in the 2007 fiscal year: 1) received
Federal Flex money of $29,000 for asset maintenance; 2) received money for a
bus replacement; and 3) received money for a garage addition. He stated that
the Transit TIP is fiscally constrained.
Ms. Hirschmann asked if there
were any other questions regarding the Draft 2007-2010 TIP. There were
comments regarding the timeline for the downtown State Street Bridge. After
discussion, a motion was made by Mr. Paxton to approve the Draft 2007-2010 TIP
and forward it on to PennDOT. Mr. Seamans seconded. The motion passed
unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business,
the meeting adjourned at 11:50 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Daniel M. Gracenin,
MPO Secretary
Mercer
County Regional Planning Commission
2491 Highland Road, Hermitage, PA 16148
mail@mcrpc.com www.mcrpc.com
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