REGULAR MEETING OF THE IDAHO TRANSPORTATION BOARD

 

January 16, 2013

 

The Idaho Transportation Board met at 7:30 AM on Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at the Idaho Transportation Department, Boise, Idaho. The following principals were present:

            Jerry Whitehead, Chairman

            Jim Coleman, Vice Chairman – District 1

            Jan Vassar, Member – District 2

            Julie DeLorenzo, Member – District 3

            Jim Kempton, Member – District 4

            Dwight Horsch, Member – District 5

            Lee Gagner, Member – District 6

            Brian W. Ness, Director

            Scott Stokes, Chief Deputy

            Larry Allen, Deputy Attorney General

            Sue S. Higgins, Executive Assistant and Secretary to the Board

 

Executive Session on Legal Issues. Member DeLorenzo made a motion to meet in executive session at 7:30 AM to discuss legal issues as authorized in Idaho Code Section 67-2345(f). Member Vassar seconded the motion and it passed 6-0 by individual roll call vote.

 

A discussion was held on legal matters.

 

The Board came out of executive session at 8:20 AM. No final actions or decisions were made.

 

Board Minutes. Member Gagner made a motion to approve the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on December 12, 2012 as submitted. Member Vassar seconded the motion and it passed unopposed.

 

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

            February 20, 2013 – Boise

            March 19-20, 2013 – Boise

            April 9-10, 2013 – District 2

 

Consent Calendar. Chairman Whitehead noted the number of low bids that exceeded the engineer’s estimate by more than ten percent. Chief Engineer Tom Cole responded that staff monitors and tracks that information. Generally, the remoteness or location of the project, smaller quantities, and the number of bidders have the greatest influence on bids.

 

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

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

ITB13-01        approves the advancement of SH-81, 300 South Road to Satellite Port of Entry, District 4 to FY13 and the advancement of US-93, Salmon River Bridge, Near Carmen, District 6, to FY13 and has received and reviewed the contract award information, the professional services agreements and term agreement work task report, and the report of speed minute entry changes for December 2012.

 

1) Advance SH-81, 300 South Road to Satellite Port of Entry, Cassia County, District 4, to FY13 of the Idaho Transportation Improvement Program (ITIP). Staff requested advancing the SH-81, 300 South Road to Satellite Port of Entry project, key #13074, from FY14 to FY13. The project is part of a $10 million pavement restoration initiative on SH-81 that was programmed in three stages. Advancing the requested project would allow the District to combine the first two stages for construction this summer, minimizing public inconvenience and realizing safety and mobility benefits earlier. The $1 million project would be funded from savings on the first stage.

 

2) Advance US-93, Salmon River Bridge, Near Carmen, Lemhi County, District 6. Staff requested advancing this US-93, Salmon River Bridge rehabilitation project, key #8571, from FY14 to FY13. The project, estimated at $570,000, would be funded through savings.

 

3) Contract Awards. Key #12298 – I-90, SH-3, FY13 District 1 Bridge Repair. Low bidder: West Company Inc. – $806,320.

 

The low bid on key #11554 – US-95, Sand Creek Bridge, Sandpoint, District 1, was more than ten percent over the engineer’s estimate, requiring justification. The major difference between the low bid and engineer’s estimate were in the Concrete Bridge Deck Removal Class A and Class B, Special Bridge Deck Drain Extensions, Painting Steel Shell Piling, Painting Structural Steel, and Mobilization items. Staff believes the most significant differences were due to the overall increase in materials and mobilization costs. The multiple bids received at similar high costs validate the low bid.  No evidence of bid manipulation was evident, nor does it appear that re-advertising the project would result in savings. Staff recommended awarding the project. Low bidder: N. A. Degerstrom, Inc. - $812,950.

 

Key #6607 – SH-200, Trestle Creek Bridge, Bonner County, District 1. Low bidder: Apollo Inc. – $3,435,277.

 

The low bid on key #9769 – SH-3, St. Maries River Bridge, Near Mashburn, District 1 was more than ten percent over the engineer’s estimate, requiring justification. The main difference between the engineer’s estimate and the low bid was in the Portable Traffic Signal System, Concrete Class 40-A Schedule No. 2, Concrete Parapet, Metal Reinforcement Schedule No. 2, Epoxy Coated Metal Reinforcement, Expansion Joint, and Mobilization items.  Staff believes the major differences are due to the overall increase in materials and mobilization costs. Due to the consistency of all of the bids received, there was no evidence of bid manipulation. Staff does not believe savings would be realized if the project was modified and rebid, so recommended awarding the contract. Low bidder: C.L. Heilman Company Inc. - $818,452.

 

Key #9462 – Burma Road; Gotham Bay Road to Junction SH-97, Kootenai County, District 1. Low bidder: Apollo Inc. - $4,869,055.

 

Key #12997 – US-12, Milepost 81.6 to Syringa Creek, District 2. Low bidder: Poe Asphalt Paving, Inc. - $2,247,635.

 

Key #12928 – US-95, Fish Hatchery, Old SH-7 and Division Street Turnbays, District 2. Low bidder: Cook and Sons Construction - $811,037.

 

Key #13071 – SH-81, 700 South Road to 300 South Road, Cassia County, District 4. Low bidder: Western Construction, Inc. - $1,693,453.

 

Key #12868 – SH-81, Southside Canal Bridge, Declo, District 4. Low bidder: Western Construction, Inc. - $432,059.

 

The low bid on key #13091 – US-20, FY13 District 4 Guardrail Retrofit, was more than ten percent over the engineer’s estimate, requiring justification. The greatest price variations were in the Borrow, Superpave HMA Paving Including Asphalt and Additive Class Special-2, Bridge Rail Retrofit, and Rock Armor items. The low bid was higher than the engineer’s estimate due to source locations, short time frame, labor hours required, and material availability. The District does not believe re-advertising the project will result in better bids, so recommended awarding the project. Low bidder: WF Construction & Sales, LLC - $520,250.

 

The low bid on key #11620 – Northside Main Canal Bridge, Jerome Highway District, District 4, was more than ten percent over the engineer’s estimate, requiring justification. The Local Highway Technical Assistance Council (LHTAC) recommended accepting the low bid because the additional funding has been identified; the second low bid was only 4% over the low bid price; the project is remote in nature; individual bid items do not seem to show excessive differences with the engineer’s price except for three concrete-related items; and given the adequate participation of bidders, it is not anticipated that rebidding the project would produce lower bids. Low bidder: Cannon Builders, Inc. - $377,420.

 

The low bid on key #12093 – I-86, Chubbuck Bridge Interchange #61, District 5, was more than ten percent over the engineer’s estimate, requiring justification. The bid items that contributed the greatest variation were Traffic Signal Installation and Temporary Signals. The District believes the bids were higher than expected because of the compressed construction schedule. Also, staff did not have estimator items for the bid items and had to rely on previous projects that perhaps did not reflect the conditions encountered with this interchange project. The District does not believe re-advertising would be advantageous and recommended awarding the project. Low bidder: Ralph L. Wadsworth Construction Company, Inc. - $10,783,601.

 

Key #12118 - US-20, I-15, FY13 District 6 Intersection Improvements. Low bidder: Ray’s Heating, Plumbing, Electric Inc. - $674,800.

 

Key #12466 – FY13 District 6 Pavement Crack Sealing. Low bidder: Kloepfer, Inc. - $355,486.

 

The low bid on key #11678 – US-20B and US-26, FY13 District 6 Durable Pavement Markings, was more than ten percent over the engineer’s estimate, requiring justification. The only item that accounted for the difference between the engineer’s estimate and low bid was Recessed Pavement Markings. The District believes it underestimated this item. Additionally, the higher bid price may be due to previous projects where contractors had to return each year to warranty this pay item and fix any mistakes that occurred. The District recommended awarding this project. Low bidder: Specialized Pavement Marking Inc. - $208,897.

 

Key #11680 – Hitt Road; US-26 to US-20, District 6. Low bidder:  H-K Contractors, Inc. - $692,689.

 

4) Professional Services Agreements and Term Agreement Work Task Report. From November 26 through December 28, 28 new professional services agreements and work tasks were issued, totaling $7,642,500. Three supplemental agreements to existing agreements were processed in the amount of $49,010 during this period.

 

5) Speed Minute Entry Changes for December 2012. The following speed minute entry changes were made in December in District 4:

                                    Beginning                    Ending                              Speed Limit

Route                          Milepost                     Milepost                      Old                  New

US-20                            189.490                     195.400                      55                     65

SH-27                              25.715                        25.820                      55                     45

SH-27                              25.908                        26.431                      45                     35

 

Director’s Report. Director Ness said he made a presentation at the Transportation Research Board meeting in Washington, D.C. on ITD’s efficiencies and effectiveness, which are being touted as a national model. He mentioned various recognitions the Department received recently and upcoming legislative meetings. The annual joint germane presentation is scheduled for January 24 and the budget presentation to the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee will be on February 11.

 

The Director’s entire report can be viewed at http://itd.idaho.gov/Board/report.htm.

 

Chief Deputy Stokes provided an update on performance measures. He mentioned a recent Pacific Northwest Economic Region conference that included a presentation on ITD’s freight study and discussions on oversized loads, especially the difficulties with neighboring jurisdictions not having uniform regulations. CD Stokes also noted the upcoming retirement of Idaho State Police Director Colonel Jerry Russell. He commended the excellent working relationship that was established with Colonel Russell, particularly the partnership to address highway safety.

 

Delegation – John Watts, WATCO. Mr. Watts emphasized the importance of short line railroads and the need for coordination and collaboration amongst various modes. He provided a history of efforts to improve this coordination. He commended the Board for approving Resolution #12-53, which encouraged partnerships that enhance safety, mobility, and economic opportunity, and approved the Freight Study that resulted in a consensus based vision for freight movement. Mr. Watts supports investing in freight system infrastructure and believes freight needs seamless connectivity and strong partnerships. In closing, he thanked the Board for its efforts to address freight issues and encouraged it to focus on collaboration.

 

Member Horsch believes the freight issues need to be producer driven. Due to the volatility of agriculture prices, time is of the essence in moving commodities. As a rule, it is more expedient to ship via truck than railroad. Mr. Watts acknowledged Member Horsch’s concerns that it may not be prudent to use railroad at times. He said the focus needs to be on what can be improved and on enhancing partnerships.

 

Chairman Whitehead thanked Mr. Watts for his remarks.

 

Dealer Advisory Board (DAB) 2013 Draft Legislation. DAB Member Bobby Petersen presented the proposed Idaho Consumer Asset Recovery (ICAR) fund legislation. Currently, new and used vehicle dealers are required to keep a $20,000 surety bond on file as part of the licensing process. This bond level has been in place for more than 15 years and has not kept up with the rising costs of vehicle sales. Increasing the bond amount much more would significantly increase costs to dealers and may put some dealers at risk of losing their license due to their inability to pay more for the bond.

 

The ICAR fund would replace the surety bond requirement. Dealers would contribute to this fund rather than carry a surety bond (with the exception of newly licensed dealers who will still be required to carry a bond the first three years and pay into the fund). The fund would allow reimbursement of a single claim up to $50,000 and place a cap of $120,000 on payouts for a single dealer. It also requires the revocation of a licensed dealer when a payout is made unless the dealer reimburses the fund and meets ITD’s requirements. A board consisting of the DAB, the ITD director or designee, and a representative from the Attorney General’s Office specializing in consumer protection would oversee the ICAR fund and the process to administer it. DAB Member Petersen said the DAB supports this proposal and requests the transportation board’s support for this legislation.

 

Vice Chairman Coleman made a motion to support the proposed ICAR Fund legislation. Member Vassar seconded the motion.

 

It was noted that the proposed legislation was revised yesterday. The Board asked if the Legal Section reviewed the latest draft. Vehicle Services Manager Amy Smith responded that legal staff was involved in earlier drafts, but it had not seen the most recent version.

 

Vice Chairman Coleman amended his motion to support the ICAR fund legislation contingent on ITD Legal review to ensure the legislation is acceptable and conforms with Idaho Code. Member Vassar concurred to the amended motion and it passed unanimously.

 

Idaho Freight Advisory Committee (FAC). Maureen Gresham, Program Planning and Development Specialist (PPDS), said a discussion was held with the Trucking Advisory Council on establishing a FAC. Although two separate councils are recommended, the two groups would work together. The purpose of the FAC is to provide a forum for collaboration, partnership and communication, and to leverage federal funding.  The expectations of the committee would be to identify freight priority corridors, monitor freight study implementation and performance measures, and recommend project identification prioritization policies. The FAC would be comprised of representatives from owners/operators, the top four gross domestic product commodities, manufacturing/retail, carrier/shipper/warehousing, and freight logistics. Officials from public agencies would serve as ex-officio members.

 

PPDS Gresham proposed two-year terms for the members with a chairman and vice chairman being determined annually. ITD staff would provide support for the FAC and pay the members’ travel expenses. The FAC would meet quarterly and report to the Board annually.

 

Some discussion followed on the two-year term proposal. The consensus of the Board was to establish three-year terms for FAC members, with staggered terms to ensure continuity.

 

Chairman Whitehead thanked PPDS Gresham for her efforts on establishing this important committee.

 

Idaho Scenic Byway Program Update and Peaks to Craters Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan (CMP). PPDS Gresham said the Scenic Byway Program has evolved over time and is now focused on tourism market development and preservation. Also, due to recent changes in transportation funding policy, staff reviewed the Scenic Byway Program. It believes it may be beneficial to establish a partnership with the Departments of Parks and Recreation and Commerce to oversee this program. Some of the recommendations are to revise the process to designate scenic byways; transfer the administration of the program to the Department of Commerce; and dissolve the Scenic Byway Advisory Committee (SBAC). The federal Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21^st Century (MAP-21) eliminated designated funding for the Scenic Byway Program, so the SBAC is no longer needed to prioritize projects for funding.

 

Member Vassar mentioned that the Board Subcommittee on Policies reviewed Board Policy B-09-11, Idaho Scenic Byways Program, and was informed of the proposed changes. Member Kempton noted the Subcommittee had some concerns with the proposal and requested full Board discussion.

 

Member Gagner expressed concern with dissolving the SBAC and asked how local communities would be impacted. PPDS Gresham replied that positive feedback was received on the dissolution proposal. The Department of Commerce has tools to promote commerce. It appears the SBAC is no longer needed due to the elimination of Scenic Byway funding in MAP-21. (See later minute entry.)

 

Monica Hampton, Lost Rivers Economic Development Tourism Associate, said a CMP has been developed for the Peaks to Craters Scenic Byway. The Plan was provided to the Board last month for review. She summarized the 140-mile byway along US-20 and US-93 and the various points of interest along the route.

 

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

RES. NO.        WHEREAS, the Idaho Transportation Board designated the Peaks to Craters

ITB13-02        Scenic Byway in February 2009; and

 

WHEREAS, the Peaks to Craters Scenic Byway Committee completed a Corridor Management Plan in full compliance with nationally established Corridor Management Plan guidelines; and

 

WHEREAS, the Peaks to Craters Scenic Byway Committee is submitting the Corridor Management Plan to the Board for approval; and

 

                        WHEREAS, District 6 has been involved and is in full support of this plan.

 

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board approves the Peaks to Craters Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan.

 

IPLAN Progress Update. Transportation Planner (TP) Maranda Obray said efforts are underway to migrate IPLAN to its new host. The information should be transferred next month. Work is underway to create maps for other ITD sections and on establishing the web page. Staff is also working with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) on data.

 

Chairman Whitehead thanked TP Obray for the update.

 

National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) Fundamentals. Environmental Manager (EM) Sue Sullivan explained NEPA and elaborated on how it affects the way ITD does business. NEPA was passed to address growing environmental concerns. The crux is to require an informed and balanced decision-making process. It requires agencies to consider alternatives to any actions that impact the environment. NEPA must be used if federal funds, lands, or permits are involved in a project. Some of the things that need to be considered as part of NEPA are endangered species, water, historic integrity, noise, hazardous material, air quality, and land use.

 

EM Sullivan said efforts are underway to involve the Environmental Section earlier in scheduling projects because the environmental phase can be time-consuming. Staff is also looking at efficiencies and has established a pilot project to expedite approvals.

 

Chairman Whitehead thanked EM Sullivan for the informative presentation.

 

ITD Traveler Information System. Travel Services Coordinator (TSC) Tony Ernest provided a history of Idaho’s traveler information system. It consists of a comprehensive web site and a 511 phone line. He demonstrated the 511 web page, highlighting the various data available, including transit information. He said the low bandwidth website is the most used option followed by the high bandwidth website, mobile website visits, and then phone calls.

 

TSC Ernest said efforts are underway to improve the system. The third generation of the high bandwidth website is being developed, which will make navigating the site easier. Merging the low bandwidth and mobile websites will provide a more responsive design. Intelligent 511 phone response is being developed for user customization. A tool to allow public reporting of winter road conditions is also being created.

 

Member Kempton commended staff for the excellent system it has developed. Chairman Whitehead thanked TSC Ernest for the presentation and his efforts on this important initiative.

 

National Weather Service (NWS) Presentation. Dean Hazen, Northwest Science and Operations Officer, emphasized the importance of the cooperation and collaboration that NWS has developed with ITD. Through the partnership, both entities are providing better service to their customers. He noted that the two entities have similar missions. NWS’s mission is to protect life and property and enhance commerce. Although the agencies’ main efforts have been on road conditions, collaboration is occurring to provide information at rest areas, utilize dynamic message signs for weather information, incorporate NWS information in the 511 traveler information system, and expand locations for Road Weather Information Systems.

 

Mr. Hazen explained the “Storm Ready” initiative that assists communities with preparing for weather-related disasters. The impetus was communication, as emergency responders needed information to help them prepare for emergencies. Mr. Hazen recognized District 4 employee Ron Robinson for his commendable efforts and partnership on Storm Ready.

 

Chairman Whitehead thanked Mr. Hazen for the informative presentation and congratulated Mr. Robinson for his outstanding efforts. He also expressed appreciation for the valuable partnership that NWS and ITD employees have developed.

 

Informal Luncheon with the Aeronautics Advisory Board (AAB). The two boards met informally during lunch.

 

Monthly Update on Garnet Project. 3M representative Mike Ristau said 3M received a letter regarding concerns with the Division of Motor Vehicles’ (DMV) modernization project, or Garnet, on December 21, 2012. The letter required the first phase to go live in 30 days. Mr. Ristau said that schedule was not possible. He met with ITD staff yesterday and requested 30 days to develop and implement a new operation method that will improve the process and accelerate the schedule. Mr. Ristau said 3M is not happy with the status of Garnet, but is dedicated to the project and its success and will direct more resources to this project.

 

Member Gagner asked if a project manager will be located at ITD and if that person will have decision-making authority. Mr. Ristau replied that a project manager will be on-site and that position has a role in making decisions. Member Gagner asked if the plans for the next 30 days will be performance based. Mr. Ristau replied that there will be certain deliverables. There will be indicators that will allow for adjustments to be made as necessary.

 

Member DeLorenzo noted that the past deadlines were not met. She commented on the proposed changes to the operational process and asked if the deadlines for the next 30 days can be met. Mr. Ristau replied in the affirmative. He acknowledged the development group may not have understood some of the earlier issues, but he believes by housing all of the involved parties in the same location, communication will improve and the disconnect will be eliminated.

 

Chairman Whitehead thanked Mr. Ristau for the update.

 

Aeronautics’ Annual Report. AAB Chairman Rodger Sorensen reported on enplanements at the state’s seven commercial airports for the past three years. Overall, there was a decrease; however, the forecast for 2013 is a slight increase. Approximately 80% of the commercial air traffic occurs at the Boise Airport. The Idaho Falls Airport receives about 10% of the commercial air traffic and the other five airports account for the other 10%.

 

AAB Member Colleen Back said fuel sales increased in 2012, but have not returned to the pre-recession levels of 2006. In Boise, fuel sales to commercial airlines were down; however, sales to the military and for corporate aviation and firefighting efforts were higher. The opposite occurred in Idaho Falls, where corporate aviation was down, but consumption of fuel increased for commercial airlines.

 

Currently, agriculture aviation activity is very good, according to AAB Member Chip Kemper. He believes this trend will continue for some time. He added that meteorological towers, wind turbines, are a concern. Data on those towers is being collected.

 

AAB Member Mark Sweeney reported that the state generally saw an increase in corporate aviation last year. A slight increase is expected in 2013.

 

Aeronautics Administrator Mike Pape said one of the biggest changes at the Division of Aeronautics last year was his promotion to Aeronautics Administrator. Some of the other activities that occurred or are underway include a workshop conducted by the AAB to discuss revenue enhancements, the DMV modernization effort includes a component for aircraft and pilot registrations, rulemaking for House Bill 511 Hazards to Flight occurred, and Dan Etter was hired to fill the Safety/Education Coordinator position. Usage of the King Air decreased from 200.9 hours in FY11 to 156.2 in FY12. Usage of the other state planes increased.

 

Staff provided reports on the various programs. Funding for the Idaho Airport Aid Program is $675,000 in FY13, but is expected to decrease to $475,000 in FY14 due to declining revenue. Work is almost complete on a Project Prioritization and Selection Method system that will assist with selecting community airport projects for funding. Pavement condition inspections were conducted at 16 airports in 2012. A survey to rate airports was conducted at 85 facilities. On a scale of 1 to 5, with a score of 1 being very poor and 5 being very good, the average was 4.92. Airports that housed caretakers scored 4.98. The volunteer program continues to be a valuable asset, as 430 man hours provided assistance with activities such as mowing, painting, rodent control, and repairing fences at the 31 state-owned airports. Efforts are underway to update and enhance the volunteer network for search and rescue efforts. Last year, there were 39 aviation accidents with 5 fatalities in Idaho. There were 34 accidents with 14 fatalities in 2011.

 

Chairman Whitehead thanked the AAB members and ITD staff for the report.

 

Service Contracts issued by Business and Support Management (BSM). Gordon Wilmoth, Acting BSM Manager, said the BSM Section will provide monthly reports on the professional service agreements processed during the previous month for contracts that are not secured through the qualification-based selection process. These contracts are generally for services, such as mowing, software, and training; not for commodities. The Consultant Administration Unit will continue to provide its monthly report on professional services used for ITIP projects.

 

In December, no new service related contracts were processed; however, five current contracts were modified, resulting in an overall $75,000 decrease in contractual liability. The reduction reflects the actual service needed.

 

Chairman Whitehead thanked Acting BSM Manager Wilmoth for the report.

 

Monthly Financial Statements. Transportation Investments Manager (TIM) John Krause reported that net obligations were $41,000,000 during December, resulting in total net cumulative obligations of $152,200,000. Of the net obligations, $162,200,000 were for current year projects. The remaining obligations are for adjustments for prior year projects coupled with advances of future year projects to FY13. The original budget amounts for obligated FY13 projects was $156,300,000. Net cumulative obligations are above the historical trend of $62,700,000 for December.

 

Controller Gordon Wilmoth said FHWA Indirect Cost Allocation revenue through November was $14,173,000, which was above the projected amount of $13,005,000. Miscellaneous state funded revenue of $14,587,000 was $1,620,000 above the forecast. Highway Distribution Account revenue, excluding ethanol exemption elimination, was $77,924,000. The projected revenue was $75,279,000. Revenue from the ethanol exemption elimination was $7,143,000, which was 1.9% above the projected amount. Revenue to the State Aeronautics Fund from aviation fuels was $922,000, resulting in a 20.5% positive variance.

 

Total expenditures in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Title XII Fund for highway projects were $175,680,000, while $178,800,000 had been appropriated. Expenditures for public transportation were $8,865,000 of the $9,200,000 available.

 

Senior Budget Analyst Joel Drake reported on changes to the FY14 budget request based on the Governor’s budget. Personnel costs for a 1% change in employee compensation and adjustments for electricity and bandwidth costs were not allowed. The majority of those dollars were moved to contract construction, with some added to the cash balance.

 

Progress Report on Programming Policies. TIM Krause summarized discussions at the November 2012 workshop to address policy issues related to MAP-21. He provided a status on efforts to revise the impacted programming policies. The Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho (COMPASS), Kootenai Metropolitan Planning Organization, and LHTAC are providing assistance with B-11-04, Allocation of Surface Transportation Program Apportionments to Local Public Agencies and B-19-07, Highway Safety Funds. A presentation to the Board is planned for March, with action expected in April.

 

Efforts for B-11-03, Transportation Enhancement Program, and B-11-07, Safe Routes to School include COMPASS’s identification of six candidate projects for funding with its portion of Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funding and the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreations’ solicitation for FY13 Recreational Trails TAP funding. TIM Krause expects to seek Board approval next month to add COMPASS’s projects to the ITIP. A presentation from Parks and Recreation on the Recreation Trails Program and ITD staff’s presentation on options for TAP are expected in March, followed by Board action in April.

 

In response to Member Gagner’s question on whether TAP funds can be used for Scenic Byway projects, TIM Krause replied that he believes some Scenic Byway activities may be eligible for funding; however, he will review the TAP requirements.

 

TIM Krause said the Department of Environmental Quality is scheduled to present the current state of Idaho’s air quality in March. Programmatic discussions on Board Policy B-11-05, Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program are planned in April.

 

Policy Approval. Member Kempton made a motion to approve Board Policy 4001, Authority to Sign Contracts, Agreements, & Grants and Requirement to Report Certain Contracts (formerly B-01-09 and B-06-08); Board Policy 4007, Memorandum of Understanding (formerly B-01-10), and Board Policy 4008, Open Meeting Requirements (formerly B-01-16). Member Vassar seconded the motion and it passed unopposed.

 

The Board delayed action on Board Policy 4006, Political Activities (B-01-08). It requested revisions to the corresponding Administrative Policy as part of the review process.

 

Policy Introduction. DAG Allen presented three policies for review: B-01-15, Release and Restriction of Department Records; B-09-11, Idaho Scenic Byways Program; and B-30-02, Authority to Sign Agreements, Compacts, or Arrangements with other States on behalf of Idaho. Without objection, the Board concurred with the introduction of these policies for review. Additionally, revisions to Administrative Policy A-01-15, Release and Restriction of Department Records were requested as part of the review process.

 

Executive Session on Personnel and Legal Issues. Member Vassar made a motion to meet in executive session at 3:55 PM to discuss personnel and legal issues as authorized in Idaho Code Section 67-2345(b), (c), (d), and (f). Member Horsch seconded the motion and it passed 6-0 by individual roll call vote.

 

A discussion was held on personnel and legal matters.

 

The Board came out of executive session at 4:50 PM. No final actions or decisions were made.

 

            WHEREUPON, the Idaho Transportation Board’s regular monthly meeting officially adjourned at 4:50 PM.

 

 

   _____________signed_______________

JERRY WHITEHEAD, Chairman

Idaho Transportation Board

Read and Approved

February 20, 2013

Boise, Idaho