NPRPO March 1, 2006

Los Alamos County Community Center

Los Alamos, NM

 

 

Member’s attendance:

Ted Martinez – Acting Chair/Vice Chair                      Councilor Jim West – Los Alamos County            

Ted B. Garcia – Los Alamos County                   Matthew Roybal – Santa Fe County            

Ivan Guillen – City of Espanola                            Sandra Sue Richardson – Picuris Pueblo

Cathy Martinez – Rio Arriba County                   Jon Fast Wolf – Picuris Pueblo

Dennis Wells – Village of Chama                   Tammie Gomez – Town of Taos

Commissioner Gabriel Romero – Taos County             Patrick Nicholson – Ohkay Owingeh    

Counselor Mark Gallegos – Village of Questa             Brent Jaramillo – Village of Questa            

Joey A. Vigil – Village of Questa                               Duane Sandoval – Jicarilla Apache Nation

Rob Straebel – Village of Taos Ski Valley               Adrian Notsinneh – Jicarilla Apache Nation             

Sherriff Pat Naranjo – Santa Clara Pueblo                    Leon Roybal – San Ildefonso Pueblo

Alyn Martinez – Pojoaque Pueblo                    Shannon Vigil – San Ildefonso Pueblo       

Tina Valdez – Pojoaque Pueblo                                Patrick Nicholson – Ohkay Owingeh    

 

Affiliate Member attendance:

Sandra Maes – NPRPO Planner                               Josette Lucero - NCRTD

Phil Gallegos – NMDOT – DIST. V                 Tom Wilson – NMDOT - Planning           

Bob Widoe – NMDOT – Planning               Janet Spivey – NMDOT – Planning                       

Arnold Garcia – BIA – SWRO@NPA                           

 

Guests in attendance:

Chris Moquino – Senator Bingaman’s Office               Mariana Padilla – NERPO Transportation Planner

‘Lesah Sedillo – Village of Pecos                                 Ross Lujan – HDR Engineering

 

 

 

I.                    Call to Order – Meeting was called to order by Ted Martinez stating that this would be a long meeting with a break for lunch. He introduced Commissioner Jim West of Los Alamos County, who then introduced Chairman Wheeler. Chairman Wheeler said that transportation is an important issue in this community and also regionally. One of the goals of LA County is to be more involved in regional issues and a lot has been accomplished with Jim’s efforts. He said that he would like to see regional cooperation with funding projects.  Chairman Wheeler welcomed everyone to Los Alamos and stated that is was a pleasure to be asked to host a NPRPO meeting.

a.      Chris Moquino with Senator Bingaman’s office stated that the congress side is beginning the appropriation process and he was here to announce that they are taking requests for everything from economic development, transportation, etc. Due to natural occurring disasters and funding of the war money is tight but it is available. Applications need to be in their office no later than the end of March. Brent asked if they will be notifying individual communities. Chris stated that they are sending emails out as well as informing the public in forums like this.   For further information you can contact Chris at 988-6647 or chris_moquino@bingaman.senate.gov.

 

II.                 Approval of agenda - Gabriel Romero made the motion Brent seconded. No discussion on motion. So moved.

 

III.               Meeting Minutes – Motion to accept as presented was made by Brent seconded by Commissioner Romero.

a.      Introductions  of meeting attendees -            

b.      Sandra passed around the sign in sheet and asked for members to initial indicating that the contact info is correct. If it is not please make corrections. Included in the list are voting members, affiliate members, and land grants.

c.      Ted said that he and Sandra had met a few weeks ago to discuss the RPO. In order to make the RPO more functional we need to bring in the entities that we work with including special districts like Mutual Water Domestics. Many projects go out on bid and there are red flags, because no one is talking to each other about what is going on in their area. There are other entities that could come in and give us their process like the archeological review process. I am open to any suggestions on who else should come into the RPO to present like LTAP or ADA. If you have any input please contact Sandra or Ted. Phil asked when the next Chair will be elected. Ted stated that probably next month. Sandra added that in the NPRPO bylaws there is a section for a special election. We thought that this meeting was too full to hold elections. You can go back to your entities and discuss if you would like to run for Chair. If you all decide you would like to hold elections today we can do it at the end of the meeting. Ted stated that we have never had a Chair resign so it has left us in unknown territory.

IV.              Sandra referred people to the RTIPR and explained how it is broken down. Josette Lucero is the voting member today for Pojoaque Pueblo, unless other representatives from the pueblo arrive. Cathy is the voting member for Rio Arriba County. If you are a voting member you have a packet with copies of the PIFs. One vote per entity.   Presentations by:

a.      Ivan Guillen – The City of Espanola has six projects for consideration and stated that he will make his presentations brief.

                                                               i.      La Joya Intersection. It is very narrow and is difficult for a large vehicle to make the turn. This need is mostly for school buses.  Improvements for safety of the passengers need to be considered.  ROW has been acquired by the City.

                                                             ii.      Signal Light at intersection of Northern NM College entrance off US84/285. This is a highly used intersection by commuter traffic and there are safety concerns, especially during morning and evening commuter hours when the students are trying to get onto US84/285.

                                                            iii.      Signalization project at the intersection of Fairview Lane which runs East/West and Railroad Avenue, near Angelina’s restaurant. This area will be impacted quite heavily with traffic due to the realignment project that will take place on Oñate Street.

                                                           iv.      Trujillo Loop Realignment – Area of the “Y” in Espanola at the Chimayo Trading Post.  Intent is to align Corlett Rd which ends at SR76 with the “Y” intersection. They have been in contact with the Santa Clara Economic Development Corporation and are working through the details. The City would like to realign the road and provide some economic Development opportunities for Santa Clara.

                                                             v.      SR291 to El Llano – Narrow, winding one land road. Commuters use this road as a bypass to avoid Riverside Drive. This requires some ROW acquisition. This is a dangerous road and originally was used by the School buses going to the Espanola Valley High School, who no longer are allowed to use this route.

                                                           vi.      NM 68 and Big Rock Plaza intersection – Signalization improvements are needed to allow for efficiently navigate people through Espanola.

1.      Ted asked if any of these projects are on DOT’s schedule.

2.      Phil asked that the 291 project be held off until the study is complete. He further requested that of NM 68 because, recommendations for this hwy may also come out of the study. Sandra asked when the study would be completed. Phil responded that it may be in the next 8 to 10 months. NMDOT will be given a set of recommendations and should be available for next year’s STIP. There are a lot of environmental issues and ROW issues for this project. NM106 alternatives are falling out of the study. We will need to have more discussion on how we should proceed after the study is complete. People are going to continue to use that road. Sandra said that if anyone has ever cruised Espanola they know that it can be a dangerous street. Ted asked if the group like to go over projects one by one.  The members stated “Yes”.

b.      Los Cordova’s Rd. This was a previous STIP submittal. Everything that was not on the current STIP as funded Sandra rolled them over to our RTIPR and hopefully Phil can give us feedback on the projects. Phil said that as they go through he will comment. It was submitted by Taos County. Commissioner Romero said that Taos County has enough money to pave a portion (1.5 miles) of the road. Ted said that the road is being used as a bypass for the armory, college campus, waste transfer station, etc. This road has traffic at all times. There was a road exchange program and the County just took over the road. Commissioner Romero said that Taos County is submitting many projects and this is a number 3 priority road. Phil said that we could take off $1.5M off cost since the county is paying. This will get drainage, curb, etc. for this price. The study will also have info on this road. Ted said the initial study did show a portion of that road is considered a bypass. We do have county road 110 in the STIP for this year. The major improvement will be for NM 68 decel and accel lanes. Ted stated that it has become very dangerous with the waste facility and college going in.

c.      City of Espanola Intersection of Fairview – The warrant analysis for this intersection has not occurred yet and Phil says that NMDOT can do this. Phil will have a single warrant analysis done, and added that there is MAP funding for Espanola for this area. NMDOT is moving towards a road exchange to turn Fairview over to the City as requested by the Mayor several years ago. Sandra said that if you park yourself out there at 5pm you will see the warranted need, you can’t turn left onto Fairview. Eventually this exchange will happen

d.      Town of Taos Junction of Taos Plaza – Tammy Gomez - Major arterial for downtown Taos. There is always traffic. Phil stated that this project is already on the STIP for funding. Phil said that they did cut their target so some projects will be moved around and he will present on this at our next meeting.

e.      Village of Chama, SR 17 – Dennis – He asked if people have been to the San Antonio River Walk, and stated that they want to replicate that. This is an extension to phase I. Phil stated that NMDOT is installing some lighting in at the turn of to Dulce this summer, but this one isn’t on the STIP.

f.        Santa Clara Pueblo – Intersection, Sherriff Naranjo stated that he understood at the last meeting that this was already in the STIP.

                                                               i.      Phil responded that NMDOT has $8.5 M for 2008. We just made a selection for a consultant for the study for final design. It will start up in about a month and they will be coming to talk with Pueblos with a, b, and c alternatives and final design. There is also a minor safety project that FHWA has funded that will provide funding for one of the intersections for traffic calming. This is south reservation boundary, this may be the intersection. We are in the process of finalizing which intersection. They use rumble strips to narrow the lane to 9’. It gives you a visual that the intersection is narrowing. FHWA will be monitoring to see if it helps. They will be inserting cameras to monitor this. Since we will be making improvements we are in the process. I would recommend that this one not be ranked because it is already on the STIP.

                                                             ii.      Sherriff stated that this is good for our Pueblo. Some of the Council Members said that if this isn’t addressed soon the Pueblo will be shutting off the road. Drivers don’t even stop for children crossing the road.

                                                            iii.      Phil added that this study will include a pedestrian study also. We have $8.5 M for the project. NMDOT will have the project out by late 2007.

                                                           iv.      Leon Roybal for San Ildefonso stated that San Ildefonso Pueblo is also very concerned with this and want to make sure that it goes to 502; I am assuming you are doing the whole corridor.

                                                             v.      Phil responded yes, NMDOT will have both pueblos, Santa Clara and San Ildefonso involved with this process.

g.      Taos County West Rim Road – connects this area to the rest of the Taos Co. Valley, it is a School Bus Route. The Superintendent of the Ojo Caliente Schools is very concerned about the safety for the buses. This is the #1 priority project for the County.

                                                               i.      Ted stated that last year they had a petition signed and several letters of support for this project. Ted supports this project.

                                                             ii.      Sandra added that the two petitions have been forwarded to DOT. This is also a GRIP II submittal. If you note on your RTIPR, GRIP II projects were added.

h.      C-110 (old SR570) Taos County – Phil stated that this one is scheduled to start later this year. Commissioner Romero asked when construction would start.

                                                               i.      Phil stated that NMDOT is reviewing the warrants right now. At a very minimum we will put in the conduit.

i.        City of Espanola – NM 291- Sandra reminded the group that it was suggested to hold off on this until the study is complete.  Phil stated that he would very much like to see the results of the study. This is a very complicated study and would like to discuss with the City and the RPO. Ivan stated the he would request that members still rank this because it is a priority for the City Council.

j.        Taos County Upper Ranchitos Road – Phil stated that NMDOT has a project that will be let later this summer that will take care of this road. Already of the STIP.

k.      City of Espanola – Ivan stated again that this is the Northern NM College entrance off US84/285. Increased commuter traffic and increased college enrollment. We request that DOT do a study on this.

                                                               i.      Phil responded that NMDOT can do that. The state also has a statewide signal list that gets prioritized statewide. We don’t usually put these on the STIP. But Phil will initiate the study.

l.        Taos County – Upper Rim Rd - Commissioner Romero stated that this road warrants need from commissioners. It isn’t a priority right now but would like for it to remain on the list.

m.    City of Espanola – NM68 at the Big Rock. Ivan stated that it has priority due to safety reasons.

n.      Taos County – Callejon Road, Commissioner Romero stated that he was not too familiar with this particular intersection. This road is in bad shape. The intersection with Ranchitos road is a bad intersection across from a museum. This would be rated as 4th priority for Taos County.

o.      City of Espanola – US 84/285 & NM102, Ivan explained that this is in south Espanola. The pavement is rutted and has lots of bumps in the road. It needs to be studied. There is an entrance to a shopping center. We request resurfacing the road and close one of the entrances to make it safe.

                                                               i.      Phil asked if this intersection is north of 285 over Stanley Bridge. Ivan affirmed. Phil stated this is probably included in the Pojoaque project already scheduled and will check. They are looking at the northern limit where 68 starts. Basically they are looking at flipping that to redesign the intersection so the continuous movement could cross across the river.

                                                             ii.      Sandra asked if this was at the Santa Clara Bridge not Oñate. Ivan affirmed. Just wanted to make sure we are all on the same page.

p.      Taos County SR 75 – Rio Chiquito Rd – Commissioner Romero stated that he has six roads on this page and would like to go over all. Give 6th priority to the John Dunn road. Don’t have a rating for the other roads but would like for them to stay on the STIP.

                                                               i.      Sandra – stated that she thought this was added last year due to public demand. There is a bridge going out at Rio Chiquito.

                                                             ii.      Romero added that we can rate that as number 7. Keep all projects for Taos County on but not rated.

q.      US84/285 at Trujillo Loop - Ivan stated that the City would like to take some traffic off Riverside Dr and provide develop opportunities for Santa Clara Development Corporation.

                                                               i.      Sandra asked Phil if NMDOT can extend Phase II of the corridor project to include this.

                                                             ii.      Phil responded no. There are other opportunities but not with this one.

r.       Los Alamos County – Diamond Dr. - North Road - Ted Garcia stated that this is the project presented at last meeting. It is under design and should be let to bid at end of this year. What support we could get from the RPO or district would be appreciated. We also need help with phase 2 Diamond drive. On 501 we are willing to entertain a road exchange. The infrastructure is really failing on Diamond drive. Most travel to the Lab is on that road. Our signals are failing. There is a lot of bike traffic without continuous bike lanes. It is also Safe Routes to Schools and School Bus Route. Phase one will be let in May 2006.

s.        Ohkay Owingeh – Patrick stated that this is listed incorrectly. The scope of the project which is on the STIP for 2010. Old NM 74, three way stop on and incline. It is also a request for a landscape median and lower Alcalde rd. This is an amendment to an existing project.

                                                               i.      Phil stated that this project is in the STIP and is an extension.

                                                             ii.      Sandra stated that Pat and she had a discussion about this project yesterday and thought that this should be amended and if it should follow the amendment procedure.

                                                            iii.      Phil stated that this go through the amendment process because it is already stated for funding.

                                                           iv.      Sandra asked that they clarify the amendment process.

                                                             v.      Phil reminded the members that the amendment must go through the RPO process for approval.

                                                           vi.      Sandra asked Pat if he could have this ready for our next meeting.

                                                          vii.      Pat stated yes

t.        Pohu’p’oo Street - Santa Clara – Sherriff Naranjo stated that there are a lot of pot holes and it is a heavily traveled road.

                                                               i.      Phil stated that the NPRPIO find the functional classification of this road. He asked Bob Widoe to look this up. He isn’t sure if the Pueblos are eligible to qualify for the MAP or not. They ran out of time on this at the Leg. We need to look into what other funding this road is eligible for.

                                                             ii.      Sherriff Naranjo stated that Santa Clara Pueblo has done the cost estimate.

                                                            iii.      Sandra stated that she will work with the Pueblo on this.

u.      Kee St. - Santa Clara’s main entrance to Tribal Administrative offices – Sherriff, sidewalk repair, curb and gutter.

                                                               i.      Sandra asked if part of this road isn’t paved due to Pueblo wishes. Sherriff stated yes.

v.      Santa Clara Intersection of at La Mesilla –Golf Course Rd– Ted asked Phil if this would qualify. Phil stated that if it is a private road it wouldn’t. Phil asked if the golf course road is on a state road. Sherriff answered yes. Phil stated that he would look into this.

w.    Sandra stated that the rest of the list is GRIP II submittals. Sandra tried to contact everyone yesterday to let them know that their projects from GRIP II submittals would be added to the STIP per DOT recommendation.

                                                               i.      Bob stated that there may or may not be a special session. That is as much as we know at this point. I would recommend that if you have a GRIP II project that qualifies that you list it on the RTIPR list. Who knows what will happen with GRIP II in the future.

                                                             ii.      Ted asked if Taos Pueblo, Up Creek realignment will be under construction later this year, I think we added this GRIP project to the STIP list.

                                                            iii.      Phil asked for clarification, if Ted meant Veterans highway?

                                                           iv.      Pat responded that they are two separate roads. Veteran’s hwy is in front of the Gov’s building.

                                                             v.      Sandra asked if the Pueblo road was eligible for the STIP.

                                                           vi.      Phil stated that the RPO needs to check functional class. Local roads like these are difficult to get on the STIP because the focus on the STIP is for major rural collectors accessing a State or Interstate highway system. Local roads were the primary purpose of GRIP II. We can also look at LGRF for additional funding of local roads.

                                                          vii.      Bob stated the functional class isn’t a set document; we can always change the functional class.

                                                        viii.      Ted asked the group to consider not going over all the GRIP projects.

                                                           ix.      Sandra reminded the group that all these projects are eligible for ranking and rating on the STIP. We can research the eligibility of these projects; I do need to get these ranking and ratings to DOT as soon as possible.

                                                             x.      Phil stated that a lot of times he is approached by entities after the RPO meetings and they think that if they are ranked and rated as #1 they get funding and that isn’t right. STIP budget has been cut by $50M so there will be limitations and a major overhaul to the STIP.

                                                           xi.      Bob stated that this is the first of two RTIPR processes.

                                                          xii.      Phil stated that after the NPRPO creates the RTIPR we have D5 RTIPR known as the ZIPPER taking NWRPO and MRGRPO. The “ZIPPER” is scheduled for March 29th. This is the third RPO ranking and rating meeting. So we will unzip them all together and rank and rate all the proposals within that District.

                                                        xiii.      Ivan asked who does the ranking and rating.

                                                        xiv.      Phil responded that the RPO representatives such as Sandra, but this is open to the public. There are other funding elements. We can look at the LGRF to see if you can tap into inclusive of the Indian Reservation Road Fund (IRR) which are annual programs. The STIP is a 6 year funding element. It doesn’t mean we should stop submitting. You have 6 years to become project ready. Phil reminded members of the safety program, which is also an annual program statewide. This is a good program for getting funding for smaller projects. Pojoaque

                                                         xv.      Pojoaque Pueblo representatives were also introduced. Break for lunch discussion, need to break for lunch prior to 11:30. Ted G. asked if we should rank and rate the roadway projects prior to the ranking and rating of the following proposals.

                                                        xvi.      Councilor West stated that it was hard to find locations in Los Alamos that would accommodate LANL employees and everyone else for lunch right at noon.  Sandra asked the group if they’d be willing to push forward. Councilor West asked if we should wait until 12:30-12:45. Members decided to take a 10 minute break instead and finish ranking and rating prior to breaking for lunch.

 

x.      John Fast Wolf – I think Sandra R. was asking Arnold Garcia, BIA about the GRIP II projects. We are in the planning stages. They aren’t sure projects at this point.

y.      Alyn Martinez, Pojoaque Pueblo - How is the funding cycle going to go for GRIP II?

                                                               i.      Phil stated that the GRIP II list that is attached is what was sent to the Legislation. The projects were ranked based on project readiness.

                                                             ii.      Bob added that if GRIP II is funded, we pull the annual schedule we started with and we are moving towards the direction of involving the RPOs to determine project readiness. One of the things we considered is that the funding not be reimbursement instead receive the funding right away.

                                                            iii.      Alyn Martinez asked if it is possible to get ranking scores for GRIP II.  Bob answered that the GRIP II was comprised from each entity submittal as to what their priorities were at the local level. 

                                                           iv.      Duane, did you rank and rate the projects? Bob answered no.

                                                             v.      Ted clarified by stating that each entity gave their top 3 priorities at the initial start of GRIP II.

                                                           vi.      Bob further elaborated by stating that the entities gave their number one proposed project. The Districts then worked with people on project estimates. The five year scheduling that has been eliminated was based on info they had and District V input. Now NMDOT has decided to go through the RPO. Nothing is funded at this point, because GRIP II was not funded through this year’s legislation.

                                                          vii.      Pat asked how are we going to rank and rate these projects. Maybe we could rank and rate the STIP projects above the GRIP projects.

                                                        viii.      Commissioner Romero stated that in order to be fair to all we receive the number one ranking of each entity and then go from there.

                                                           ix.      Ted stated that it is the pleasure of the board.

                                                             x.      Sandra asked for clarification, if roadway projects be ranked and rated first.

                                                           xi.      Alyn Martinez stated that he saw Pojoaque Pueblo only has one project listed. Is it too late to add a project?

                                                          xii.      Ted stated no. If there is a mistake we can add the project now. Are there any projects that need to be added?

                                                        xiii.      Duane stated that Sandra placed some of Jicarilla’s projects in TPE and we want Sand Hill Drive to be on the roadway projects. Sandra asked that the members move that project into roadway projects section from the enhancement section.

                                                        xiv.      Alyn Martinez wanted to add the Tribal Facility Road Access. The Pueblo will begin construction later this year. It is located on the commercial district of the Pueblo at the Cities of Gold Casino.

                                                         xv.      Phil suggested that it probably won’t be eligible but we will check.

                                                        xvi.      Leon Roybal stated that San Ildefonso Pueblo would like to add SR 30 (Yo’Povi) a residential road that has about 20 homes which needs paving and side walks.  Second addition is Thampovi road, off NM502 next to Tribal Administration road. Third addition requires improvements to Little Bird Road; it is an old BIA road that needs speed humps, and improvements.

                                                      xvii.      Picuris Pueblo asked why would we rank GRIP II projects now if funding is uncertain.

                                                     xviii.      Sandra clarified by stating that GRIP II money comes from legislative money. STIP is federal transportation money. We put so much hard work into GRIP II project submittals that we want to add them to the STIP so they don’t just go away and are never considered for funding because the Legislation didn’t pass GRIP II.  Sandra asked if there were any more corrections that needed to be added before ranking and rating

                                                        xix.      Tammy asked for clarification for projects that are already on the STIP, don’t they need to be ranked and rated?  Ted M. answered yes.

                                                         xx.      Dennis stated that NMDOT consider opening SR 29 to Corona for traffic that comes from Colorado. Village of Chama is experiencing a tremendous amount of diesels that go through main street. Village of Chama will submit a PIF as soon as possible.

                                                        xxi.      Sandra reminded everyone that she is available to meet with them to assist in filling out the additional paperwork.

                                                      xxii.      Brent from Questa added SR 522, 1.7 miles of middle turn lane.

                                                     xxiii.      Seven projects were added in total today.  Ted asked Sandra to read the list:  Jicarilla - Sandhill Drive moved from TPE, Pojoaque - Tribal Public Works Rd., San Ildefonso - SR30 (Yo’povi’), NM 502 (Tham’povi’), Little Bird Rd, Village of Chama - SR29 to Chromo, Village of Questa - SR522, middle turn lane, Picuris – Booster Rd. 

                                                    xxiv.      Sandra stated that a few months ago the Village of Questa hosted a meeting when the Village council mentioned that there was a concern with signalization for wildlife crossing. Brent clarified that the Village of Questa has annexed that portion of the road which was once a Taos County Road and feels that the submittal for signalization and street lighting would take care of the Council’s concern.

Ted asked for recommendations for ranking and rating. Each entity listed #1 priority:

z.       Commissioner Romero would like to continue with West Rim Road as number one priority

                                                               i.      Los Alamos – Diamond Drive Phase 2, NM501

                                                             ii.      City of Española – US 84/285 Northern NM College Intersection

                                                            iii.      Santa Clara Pueblo, – 602 Lower Canyon Road

                                                           iv.      Ohkay Owingeh – Former GRIP II project Lower Ranchitos and Alcalde Road main north south thoroughfare.

                                                             v.      Pojoaque Pueblo – Subdivision Road

                                                           vi.      Village of Chama – Phase 2 of SR 17

                                                          vii.      San Ildefonso – Yo’povi’ Road

                                                        viii.      Town of Taos – NM 68 Paseo del Pueblo Sur (Phil stated that it was on the STIP already). So we will go with Carabajal Rd.

                                                           ix.      Village of Questa – SR 522, middle lane turn

                                                             x.      Jicarilla Apache Nation – Sandhill Drive, the design is completed, ROW done, good to go.

                                                           xi.      Picuris Pueblo – Booster Road, communications to outside road.

                                                          xii.      Rio Arriba County– CR319 (old SR112 - the dirt portion) to El Vado

                                                        xiii.      Santa Fe County – Northern County Roads between 503 and 76. Phil, this is already on the STIP so it will only include Agua Fria, South Meadow road.

 

Discussion ensued:

Ø     Commissioner Romero - How many options do we have? 14 projects.

Ø     Ted - Recommend that we yield to Phil.

Ø     Phil - a lot of these have been on the RTIPR for several years. I have the old one here. NM 17 was number 5 on the Dist RTIPR…West Rim # 7…. #9 La Joya. #11 Northern College intersection….

Ø     Commissioner Romero - How long has the West Rim Road been on the RTIPR? One year

Ø     Duane, do we need to rank this month? Yes. The ZIPPER is on the 29th.

Ø     Duane, I would like more info on some of these projects. I have no idea what other needs are.

Ø     Phil, usually someone, a board member proposes a ranking then there is discussion and they are ranked and rated.

Ø     Sandra - what are you not clear on?

Ø     Duane - I was involved in a previous ranking and rating and there was opportunity to review projects prior to the meeting.

Ø     Sandra - these projects were presented in the previous months.

Ø     Lesah - I attended today because I have been concerned about the ranking and rating. Can DOT give guidance on this?

Ø     Phil - we always allow the RPOs to determine their own process.

Ø     Bob - NWRPO and NPRPO usually just throw it out and discuss. Some give numbers. The projects get brought up throughout the year so people understand the projects. Generally there is a lot of support and discussion back and forth.   This is why it’s important to try to attend all the meetings, so one stays in touch with each other and you get to know first hand what needs the entity brings to the table throughout the year.

Ø     Commissioner Romero - the process of elimination to remove projects that are being submitted today and just look at those that have been previously submitted.

Ø     Councilor West - are there any that were approved that were not all number one. My suggestion is to turn all the number one projects and allow the D-5 to pick from there.

Ø     Phil - our District STIP is $25M. We do like a check book format to pick projects looking at eligibility and also how much the projects cost. Also look at traffic volumes.

Ø     Lesah - those things need to be on a ranking and rating form.

Ø     Ted G. - SR 17 Village of Chama is eligible. Leaving the projects will eventually get funding. If we can find money for the Los Alamos roads we can contribute.

Ø     Phil - The signalization projects are viable, they have potential funding from other programs. A lot of local roads are viable and they need to be ranked. They need to show that there is a priority and the RPO has discussed them.

Ø     Patrick – One, I think that Commissioner Romero’s suggestion to just look at previously submitted projects may not be popular but we are a planning organization so we need time. Two, that Ted M. proposes a ranking and rating list to the members and discuss.

Ø     Tammy - since we have all projects here but they’re reps aren’t here, do we still consider those like Red River, Nambe, Taos Pueblo?

Ø     Alyn Martinez - the number one rankings. Can we consider projects that are ready for construction as priorities?

Ø     Sandra - I’d like to clarify that I hear the suggestions on the table, Tammy’s suggestion to include as a number one the entities that aren’t here? Those additions are Nambe – Alabama Rd., Taos Pueblo – Veteran’s Rd., and Red River – Claim Jumper Rd.

Ø     Sherriff - they should be.

Ø     Motion to include made by Commissioner Romero, seconded by Dennis Wells. Passed unanimously.

Ø     Ted M - Now have 17 number ones.

Ø     Ivan - ok the second question is are we going to consider the projects that were just presented now?

Ø     Commissioner Romero - I suggest that we eliminate those roads.

Ø     Ted - we did not set a deadline for PIFs, we did say that we would accept them up until today. They are all viable.

Ø     Brent - I think we should look at what has been on the list and check it. My project that has never been on the STIP can be on the lower part of the list.  Any new stuff goes on the bottom.

Ø     Sherriff - can we move the projects that have been on the SIIP for a long time move them up?

Ø      John Fast Wolf - Picuris, our project is a need but we are not ready to proceed. If we are a collaborative, then we need to support each other and the ones that are ready to move to the second phase.

Ø     Leon - San I’s project is on the list but it isn’t listed in detail. When someone says it isn’t on the list at least they were a part of the list. When I gave my priority I just made it specific. With the ranking and rating we should consider the safety of the passage way. Maybe one might be higher if it has more traffic. If it is a safety priority.

Ø     Jim - should we look at who has the money and who is ready to move forward?

Ø     Bob - projects that are picked up are on the 6th year of the STIP so there is time to get ready.

Ø     Tom - if a project is ready, often there are current projects already on that aren’t ready, then projects that are ready are moved up.

Ø     Ted - $8.1 M for W. Rim Rd in Taos County, could we phase your project in since it is the highest proposal to the STIP.

Ø     Commissioner Romero - yes we will do three separate phases, to $2.7M for each phase just to be fair.

Ø     Ivan - now that Phil came back, Phil you mentioned that it isn’t likely that any of these will even get on the STIP.

Ø     Phil – yes that is true. because we need to cut $50M.

Ø     Ivan - with that I say we keep all the #1 projects and rank them in alphabetical order.

Ø     Jim - I’m curious as the influence our ranking and rating has?

Ø     Phil, the ranking and rating does matter because we go down the list as we’re trying to put projects on the STIP. It does matter.

Ø     Bob - alphabetical weakens your voice.

Ø     Ted - proposed

1.      Chama – SR17 - Phase II

2.      City of Española – US84/285 - Community College Intersection

3.      Taos County – W. Rim Rd. - Phase I

4.      Town of Taos – Upper Ranchitos Rd. – SR240 Carabajal to 64 & Upper Ranchitos Rd.

5.      Village of Questa – SR522 – middle turn lane

6.      Jicarilla Apache Nation – Sandhill Dr.

7.      Ohkay Owingeh - Lower Ranchitos & Alcalde Rd.

aa.   Commissioner Romero made a motion to accept these projects, seconded by Dennis. 11 votes to approve the motion. 1 against. Wins by majority.

bb.  Alyn Martinez would like to propose the Subdivision road this is the missing piece of the puzzle for our development. I would like to propose that the RPO considers the road.

cc.   Ted, we can leave it on but Phil needs to check to see if it qualifies. We need to check which funding sources.

dd.  Ted Garcia would like to see their project considered at 8 or better.

                                                               i.      Ted M.- Pojoaque is project ready too. Ted G. stated, as long as it is considered at the ZIPPER meetings.

                                                             ii.      Sandra - will research the eligibility on these projects.

                                                            iii.      Tom Wilson - this is why it is important to rank.

                                                           iv.      Phil stated, If we go down the ranked list as we qualify projects and look at readiness and cost, we may actually add a number 10 project to STIP.

                                                             v.      Arnold - are you saying that none of the Pueblo roads are eligible?

                                                           vi.      Phil - it is a local road issue and also a functional class issue. We usually fund State Roads first because we have a small budget.

                                                          vii.      Sandra – Let’s clarify - LGRF is eligible for counties and municipalities. MAP is only for municipalities and CAP is only for Counties, and Tribes are the only ones eligible for IRR. County Round 319 may not be eligible. We can’t say that not all county roads, etc are eligible. Santa Fe County Agua Fria is a high volume road, that is also a local road and we need to look at classifications.

                                                        viii.      Ivan proposed 8-Pojoaque, 9-Diamond Drive 2, Santa Clara, Motion was made by Ivan to accept the proposal seconded by Com. Romero, passed unanimously.

8.      Pojoaque Pueblo – Subdivision Rd.

9.      Los Alamos – Diamond Dr. Phase II