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Meeting Minutes
Northeast Regional Planning Organization (NERPO)
Meeting Attendees
NERPO Members
Present:
Bobby Casados
Richard Arguello
Doug Powers City of
Harold Garcia
Renee Hayoz
Mike Running Town of
William Conley
Larry Moore
Hoot Gibson
Chuck Howe
Craig Mulford
Mindy Cahill
Yvette Fazekas City of
Loretta Torres Town of
Russell Karr
Michelle Morrow
Maxine Rivera City of
Tim Dodge
City of
NERPO Members Absent:
Richard Cordova
Paul Atzenberger
Judy Montoya
Barbara Shaw
Carlos Ortiz City of
Tony Roybal
Les Montoya
Linda Pavletich
Richard Primrose
Mark Rivera
Nora Like Village of Folsom
Martin Sherman
Anthony Mitchell
Mignon Saddoris
Larry Wallin
Jess Yeargean
NERPO Members Absent
Continued:
Leo Pacheco
Johnny Chavez Town of
Rumaldo Martinez
Benito Armijo
NERPO Planners
Lesah R. Sedillo NCNMEDD
NMDOT Staff
Paul Gray NMDOT D-4
Heather Sandoval NMDOT D-4
Janet Spivey NMDOT, Planning
Rick Chavez NMDOT,
Benny Martinez NMDOT,
Ben Tapia NMDOT, Capital
Projects Coordinator
Guest Attendees
Ronnie Anaya City of
Steve Williams Dennis Engineering
Joe Mahoney Dennis Engineering
Donzil Worthington Wilson & Company
I. Call Meeting to Order
The Meeting was
called to order by Chairman Robert Casados.
II. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of
Allegiance was led by Renee Hayoz, Clerk Administrator,
III. Welcome and Introductions:
The welcome was presented
by Mr. Robert Casados, NERPO Chairman.
Mr. Casados recognized his wife, Judy Casados, who assisted with the
preparation of the food. Individual introductions
were conducted by each member.
IV. Approval of the Agenda:
Mr. Conley of
V. Approval of the Minutes
Mr. Hoot Gibson made
the motion to approve the minutes with one correction. The Angel Fire Councilor
needed to be added as a NERPO member present for the meeting held in March
2007. The motion was seconded by
VI. Updates from NERPO Planners
Mr. Pacheco stated
that he was a presenter at the Fifty-Third Transportation Engineering
Conference (Pushing the Limits) He and
Sandra Maes, Regional Planner, Northern Pueblos Regional Planning Organization,
were asked to be guest speakers on Transportation impacts to Local Communities.
Ms. Lesah Sedillo,
thanked all the members for the warm welcome and looks forward to serving as
their interim planner. She eagerly
anticipates working with each entity on a one on one basis in the future.
VII. District 4 Update, Paul Gray:
District Engineer,
Mr. Gray stated that
there were discussions at the Commission Meeting in
It is possible that
they may have a decision by the next funding cycle for GRIP II. The commission will work closely with the
Department of Finance and Administration to meet these goals.
Heather Sandoval:
In April of 2007, Construction
began in the
District 4 currently
has a project on I 25 to replace guard rails from
District 4 will begin
new construction in
Mr. Gray would like
to allow the GRIP II experts enough time for discussion. The NERPO is the first
RPO to discuss and lead the state in the Transportation Planning.
Mr. Doug Powers of
Tucumcari asked about the status of their street light project. Mr. Gray stated that it should be completed
by the end of June. He would like to
have a ribbon cutting ceremony for the project. Mr. Gray directed them to
Mr. Tommy Garcia who
manages the project on a daily basis.
VIII. GRIP II Application Process and General Information,
Rick Chavez and Ben Tapia:
Mr. Rick Chavez:
Mr. Chavez explained
that the GRIP II Bill passed in the last special session. The bill changed with regards to the local
match. There are many concerns regarding
the match. He wanted everyone to know
that any resources expended to further the project would be eligible for the
local match.
You may consider the
cost of drainage, stockpiles, culverts, or any other documented costs to assist
you with meeting your match. Staff time
may be used, survey, design, and cash. You
may use Federal funds, but must follow all rules and regulations such as
Doug Powers, Tucumcari,
made a motion to Re-affirm the GRIP II Resolution submitted by the NERPO. The
motion was seconded by William Conley. Chairman Casados called for discussion on the
motion. (Paragraph C part section
Ms. Sedillo stated that the issue would be determined by NMDOT
whether or not a new resolution is needed by the NERPO. However, the final GRIP
II Bill language does not ask for a new resolution. Mr. Powers retracted his motion for further
discussion.
Mr. Conley,
Colfax County, stated that they are prepared to RPF their project, but there is
not sufficient time to provide a copy of the RFP. The approval of the budget and funds will
become available at the beginning of the new fiscal year for most entities (
There were also
questions regarding projects that were funding over the project amount. Mr. Gray clarified that the entity may
utilize other funding sources for these projects. However, only if the funding
source applies and is eligible for the type of funding. The entity must still provide the required
match and all other project requirements. A new resolution must be in place for
the LGRF used as match. Expiration dates
do still apply and any extensions must go through the commission. The LGRF qualifies, but still has a match in
it self.
Caution with the
application: The exact language from
the bill must be utilized to complete the application and the project. If the entity will be using Local
Transportation Infrastructure Funds (LTIF), the information needs to be
included in the resolution by the local governing body, indicating the intent
to secure these funds.
Mr. Conley, Colfax County, asked if you could count the attendance and time for meetings towards the match. He stated that he would like to report the time for his staff at these meetings and for the preparation of the GRIP II application. Everyone must use caution for the in-kind match. Make sure it is relevant to the project and there is sufficient documentation. Mr. Gray reminded everyone that these projects are on a reimbursement process for payment.
Mr. Tim Dodge, Santa
Rosa, understands that the funding is on a first come first serve basis. He
would like to know what criteria are being utilized to evaluate each
application.
Mr. Chavez stated
that each application will be evaluated against other projects at the time the
bonds are sold June 28, 2007. Once the
bonds are sold, a contract will be executed and you will have four years to
spend the funds.
Note that all
applicable laws governing severance tax will apply, including that 5% of the
funds must be contractually committed within six months( in this case, by December
31, 2007) and 85% of the funds must be spent by the end of three years (June
30, 2010). The 5% rule allows you to
include the costs associated with staff time to develop the project, as long as
it is documented. Everything regarding
GRIP II was addressed in the cover letter with the application.
Chairman Casados called
a 10 minute recess
Chairman Casados
called the meeting back into session at
Mike Runnings, Town
of Clayton, stated that they had down sized their project and asked if there
would be a change in the percentage for the match requirement. He also asked if the savings to the project
could be considered a match amount.
Mr. Chavez stated
that there would be no change in the percentage for the match. The savings
could not be considered a match amount and if the project is downsized they
will not allow a change in the match amount.
Chairman Casados
called a recess for Lunch
Chairman Casados
called the meeting back into session
VIII. GRIP II Application Process and General Information,
Rick Chavez and Ben Tapia:
Mr. Rick Chavez
reviewed the application in detail by overhead for the NERPO members:
Environmental
Process: District IV has a checklist that will be sent out to assist with
information and consultants. This includes the NEPA compliance, Criteria
for Environmental Clearance, and Certified Environmental Clearance. Public Involvement will vary with each
project. However, there is a 30 day window for all cultural surveys and they
usual utilize the entire 30 days.
Public Involvement:
Mr. Gray stated that
there would be no public involvement if you have a
Categorical Exclusion
or an Environmental Assessment. If you
are in an urban area, you may need public involvement. Each situation must be evaluated.
(Names for
environmental contacts are listed in the cover letter)
Mr. Chavez stated
that the entity does not have to have an engineer for all projects, but must have
someone certified who will sign off on the environmental clearances. Everyone
must have documentation for everything that you are certifying on the
project.
You must utilize all
the language in the final bill to complete your application. Individual Resolutions must include the
specific roads for the current project. Make
sure that you give a specific description even if you use mile markers.
Mr. Gray pointed out
that the total projects will add up to more than the original bill. If the entire 50 million is not utilized the money
will be reverted. This is statewide. This process for the release of funds is in
July of 2007. The NMDOT will be the flow
through for the money. The GRIP II is on
a reimbursement basis per entity. Reimbursements can be submitted on a regular
basis.
Mike Runnings, Town
of Clayton, said that in his discussions with Senator Hardin the Senates intentions
were based on the fact that the projects submitted were on an estimated basis
and that the match was based on the actual bid project.
Mr. Tapia, would like
1 original and 2 copies when submitting the GRIP II Applications. The applications must be Hand Delivered or
Certified Mail as instructed in the cover letter by
Mr. Mike Runnings of the Town of Clayton made a motion to Re-affirm
the previous GRIP II Resolution reiterating the support of all NERPO projects,
in order to meet the intent of the submission of all applications under the
final language of the GRIP II Bill page 5, section 3. as part of the GRIP II
application Process. The motion was
seconded by Mr. William Conley. The
motion passed and all voted in favor.
If a special resolution is needed it will be on the agenda of the
next regular meeting. However, there is
nothing in the bill that states a new resolution is needed for submission of
the GRIP II applications,
IX.
Mr.
The deadline for the
Public Hearing is May and at that time a draft will be available for
review. Each planner will also go to all
counties for a public hearing at the county seats. He has approximately 30% of the draft plan
completed.
Ms. Sedillo explained
that each planner will conduct and research their own
counties and will meet on
Mr.
X. New Business:
A. General Comments and Announcements from NERPO Members.
During the week of
National Transportation Week District 4 will host an Open House on May 15,
2007, in Las Vegas from 9-3. They will provide information to
approximately 800 to 1,000 local students K-5th grade. Buckle Bear and the Crash Test Dummies will
also be present. Everyone is welcome!
They are requesting
information on Safety or Security Plans for each entity. This information and assistance is provided
through the Homeland Security.
Chairman Bobby
Casados:
Chairman Casados
would like to inform the NMDOT of the issues they are having with the
construction on Hwy 420. There is a
need for culverts for the road and would like to discuss this project further. Mr. Gray will look into the matter.
Amerada Hess Drilling
Company will be drilling several wells and placing new transmission lines. They
are also in the process of building a new CO 2 Plant with Industrial Revenue
Bonds. There will be a public meeting
held on May 2, 2007, at
B. Suggested agenda items for upcoming meetings.
There were no
suggestions for agenda items.
C. Meeting Location Amendments
Mr. Harold Garcia, San Miguel County, expressed the need to recognize
XI. Adjournment:
Harold Garcia made
the motion to Adjourn. The motion was seconded
by Richard Arguello. The motion carried
and all voted in favor.
The meeting adjourned
at