Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization Meeting Results: December 13, 2010

SARASOTA--The Sarasota/Manatee MPO approved the Draft of the 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan at Monday's regular meeting at New College's Sudakoff Center in Sarasota. The Board also approved the FDOT Draft Five Year Work Program which sets the priorities for funded road improvement projects. The MPO elected North Port Commissioner David Garofalo as its new chairman and Palmetto Mayor Shirley Groover Bryant as its new Vice-Chair.

AGENDA

Call to Order/INVOCATION - Marianne Barnebey Chairman

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

I. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC - A power point presentation was given in favor of a light rail system from Sarasota to Tampa.

II. COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority (TBARTA) - Manatee Commissioner Donna Hayes said Florida will receive an additional $347 million in funds for a light rail project due to Ohio and Wisconsin opting out.

2. Public Transportation Task Force (PTTF) - Commissioner Hayes reported the election of Venice Councilman Jim Benett as new Chairman and Longboat Key Commissioner Jim Brown as new Vice-Chairman. She also mentioned the "Ride for Less" day program MCAT is holding on Wednesday December 15th where any passengers who bring a non-perishable food item or unwrapped toy on board will ride for free that day.

III. CHAIR’S REPORT
1. MPO Chair Councilwoman Marianne Barnebey said she attended the Florida Public Transportation Association Conference in Miami in October.

IV. MPO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
1. MPO Executive Director Michael Howe announced current Sarasota/Manatee MPO Vice-Chairman Robert Herrington has accepted the job as Director of the Charlotte/Punta Gorda MPO.

V. CAC/TAC CHAIR'S REPORT
1. The Chairs of the Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) and Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) approved the TIP and LRTP with some minor amendments.

VI. FDOT REPORT
1. FDOT District One Secretary Stanley M. Cann introduced new Intermodal Development Director Jennifer Stoltz. Sarasota Commissioner Joe Thaxton motioned that the board draft a letter to Gov. Scott to recommend keeping Mr. Cann as FDOT representative. Unanimously approved

VII. ELECTION OF 2011 OFFICERS AND MPO REPRESENTATIVES
1. Election of Chair from Sarasota County - North Port Commissioner David Garofalo was unanimously approved as new Chairman of the Sarasota/Manatee MPO. (Nominated by Commissioner Barbetta)

2. Election of Vice Chair from Manatee County - Palmetto Mayor Shirley Groover Bryant was unanimously approved as Sarasota/Manatee MPO Vice-Chair. (Nominated by Commissioner Hayes)

3. Annual Appointment of Representatives to the Metropolitan Planning Organization Advisory Council (MPOAC) David Garofalo and Shirley Groover Bryant will represent the MPO

4. Annual Appointment of Representatives to the Chairs’ Coordinating Committee (CCC) David Garofalo and Shirley Groover Bryant will represent the MPO

VIII. CONSENT SECTION
1. Approval of Meeting Minutes October 25, 2010. Unanimously approved

2. Reappointment to the MPO’s Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) Confirmation of reappointment to serve on the MPO’s CAC.

3. Annual Evaluation of Manatee County Transportation Disadvantaged Community Transportation Coordinator (MCAT) Staff will seek a motion to endorse and authorize the MPO Chair to sign the FY 2009-2010 evaluation of MCAT.

IX. ADVERTISED PUBLIC HEARING
1. Fiscal Year (FY) 2010/2011 - 2014/2015 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Amendment - Commissioner McClash motioned to approved. Mayor Bryant 2nd. Unanimously approved

2. 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) Update – DRAFT Financially Feasible Plan - MPO Staff presented the DRAFT Financially Feasible Plan to the MPO Board for Adoption. Commissioner McClash motioned to approve with stipulation that the Tara Bridge project be removed from the list. Commissioner Hayes was opposed to removing the Tara Bridge project. Motion passed. Commissioner Hayes cast the lone nay vote.

X. BOARD ACTION
1. Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) Draft Five Year Work Program - Commissioner McClash motioned to approve. 2nd Mayor Bryant. Passed 9-5

2. Sarasota/Manatee MPO’s 2011 Legislative Positions and Policies Review and adoption of the MPO’s Legislative Committee Draft 2011 Legislative Positions and Policies. Unanimously approved

3. Appointment of Chair to the Manatee County Transportation Disadvantaged (TD) Local Coordinating Board (LCB) - Holmes Beach Mayor Richard Bohnenberger elected as Chair. Bradenton Councilwoman Marianne Barnebey elected as alternate.

4. Amendment of the MPO’s Congestion Management System (CMS) Project Priorities - Unanimously approved

XI. REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS
None scheduled.

XII. NEXT MEETING DATE
The next regular MPO Board Meeting will be held January 24, 2011 at New College's Sudakoff Center

XIII. ADJOURNMENT 12:25 p.m.