Joint Regional MPO Agenda Results: 1/27/2014

VENICE -- At the Sarasota/Manatee - Charlotte County/Punta Gorda joint MPO meeting Monday, members discussed: transit coordination between Sarasota and Charlotte Counties; the Englewood Interstate Connector; and the North Toledo Blade Boulevard extension. Each year the two MPOs meet to examine regional planning issues.

CALL TO ORDER: JOINT CHAIRS

Commissioner Christopher Constance, Charlotte County-Punta Gorda MPO

Commissioner Larry Bustle, Sarasota/Manatee MPO 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

I. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

II. OPENING COMMENTS 

Welcome by Chairs and Board Member Introductions

FDOT District Secretary Billy Hattaway

III. REGIONAL DISCUSSION ITEMS 

1. Transit Coordination Between Sarasota County and Charlotte County 

Update and discussion regarding transit service coordination. -- Survey results indicate that ridership would be between 350 to 600 daily at a cost of $3,000 a day. It would be a pilot program to see if the number would grow. There are two buses that could be used for the pilot. Sarasota Commissioners, Patterson and Robinson were not overly supportive. "Okay, next step. Where are we headed from here?" asked Robinson. Nick Lepp, from the Renaissance Group said, "There is sufficient demand to support the issue." adding, the next step would be taking it to planning.

2. Englewood Interstate Connector (River Road and Winchester Boulevard) 

Update and discussion regarding recent projects and future improvements. -- James Harriott, Sarasota County Public Works Director, said North of U.S. 41 is 100 percent designed but south of the project has not been decided yet. So far, there is $10 million into the corridor; $2.3 million to Superior Asphalt, and $8.7 to an unnamed contractor. Both contractors are local businesses. 

3.    North Toledo Blade Boulevard/Choctaw Boulevard Extension

Discussion regarding City of North Port potential project. -- North Port City Planner Michell Norton discussed parts south of Sarasota to the North Port area. Norton said "The City would like to continue dialog." Chairman Christopher Constance asked about making the River Road project priority status. Constance asked for a motion, then pulled it and said it could be discussed at their next meeting.    

IV. BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS  

V. ADJOURNMENT OF JOINT REGIONAL MEETING