February 1, 2008

RIVER ROAD TASK FORCE MEETING NOTES

1.  Tom Minnich introduced River Road regional map.  Chair, Shannon Staub asked task force members and the audience to identify themselves.

2.  Minutes of last meeting were approved unaminously (motion - Coy, second - Moore).

3.  Commissioner Staub opening comments including a summary of what is available for consideration:  Toll options; taxing district possibilities (Charlotte & Sarasota Counties); State funding (less all of the time); competition with 41 By-Pass; federal funding critical

4.  Representative Vern Buchanan Comments
Safety/hurricane evacuation significant in considering River Road improvements; economic development also a strong reason to improve; Transportation Committee membership significant for Florida, haven't had representation in 30-40 years; bi-partisan, every 5 years re-authorize roughly 400 billion dollars for roads; Florida is currently receiving about 90 cents back of every dollar sent to Washington for roads; Sarasota County is getting back about 50 cents of the 90 cents from Tallahassee; you have to have a seat at the table to get something - we now have a seat; Congressman Buchanan strongly recommends that we send a delegation to Washington to lobby for River Road (elected officials from various governments best - demonstrate wide spread support); unique that this geographic area is represented by 3 Representatives - can use to our advantage (Tim Mahoney, Connie Mack, Vern Buchanan); supports ear marks with clear disclosure; deadlines are nearing and must be met; Congressman Buchanan will strongly push our top 2 or 3 project priorities; he urges us to not create a separate taxing district - seek to keep our local money here.

5.  Commissioner Staub and Jim Ley already plan to be in Washington on February 28, 2008.

6.  Commissioner Fred Tower stated that North Port has hired a lobbyist in Washington; and that North Port needs to identify River Road on their local priorities.

7.  Wayne Sallade reiterated comments from previous meetings regarding the importance of creating this evacuation route for all of the Cape Haze Peninsula.  Representative Buchanan commented that he may be effective in lobbying as he speaks with passion.

8.  Jim Harriott - U.S. 41 to Route 75 has 90% design completed; final public meeting will be held during the summer of 2008.  Approximately 14.7 million in right away costs remain.

9.  North Port City Commission has agreed to utilize the impact fees collected toward Route 41/River Road improvements.  Chairman Staub recommended that the Task Force write a letter of Thank You regarding this cooperation and it be sent to Stan Cann, FDOT District Secretary.

10.  Chad Minor, Kimley-Horn & Associates will create a River Road logo and letterhead.

11.  The need to contact property owners owning right away needs was identified; perhaps invite them to the next meeting.  Commissioner Paul Mercier recommended breaking the project down into smaller segments and identifying a 'Go To' person for each segment (I-75  to Center; Center to 41; the RR/41 intersection; 41 to Winchester Blvd; Winchester to Pine).  Volunteers are being sought to fill this need.  Taylor Meals noted the need to remember the segment between Winchester and Pine; Keith Drake noted this will be a challenge as it wasn't identified as a priority.

12.  Jim Harriott will have the application and information package ready to go with Jim Ley and Shannon Staub at the end of this month.  Commissioner Tom Moore and Commissioner Fred Tower will provide their lobbyiest names/info to Ley and Staub for Washington coordination.  West Village District will add a letter to the package outlining their support.

13.  Keith Drake, TRIP Program 50% local contribution may be met with what has already been obtained. 

14.  Next meeting will be in March after the Washington D.C. trip.

Meeting Adjourned - 12:20 p.m.
Submitted by John Ask