Southwest Rail Corridor Coalition

Southwest Rail Corridor CoalitionBoard of Directors Meeting

Present

Jay Smyth (Chair)
Don Veidt
Roger MilroyRob Bohannan
Mark Hoffman (ADOT)
Rob Bohannan
Eric Emmert (Executive Director)

Absent

David Schwartz
Mike Garey
Andrew Singelakis
Jim Dickey

1. Call to OrderSmyth called the meeting to order at 10:14 A.M.
2. Chairman’s Report
   1. Smyth handed out the AzTA Rail Symposium agenda and registration form.
   2. Smyth reported that ADOT has the matching funds for the Phoenix-Tucson Passenger Rail EIS. Hoffman confirmed that the State Transportation Board approved the $1 million match.
   3. Smyth shared that an “agreement” exists between Eloy, Casa Grande, Maricopa, Pinal County and Union Pacific noting commuter rail.
   4. Smyth reported that AzOne will be making a presentation at a future Coalition meeting.
   5. There was discussion about an SWRC sponsored rail conference. It was suggested waiting until after the AzTA conference. Agenda ideas were discussed.
   6. Smyth reported that AzTA received an APTA grant to organize a statewide transit coalition. Smyth has requested additional information.
   7. Smyth is participating on ADOT’s Rail Technical Advisory Team.
   8. Smyth shared that Teri Kennedy would represent ADOT on the SWRC Board. Mark Hoffman will be the alternate representative.
   9. Smyth reported that the MAG Commuter Rail Study will be expanded to a system evaluation plus detail studies on the Grand Ave. (BNSF) corridor and the Phoenix – Buckeye (UP) corridor
   10. Smyth reported on a One Rail Coalition forming at the national level.
3. Executive Director’s Report
   1. Smyth shared a budget. Emmert reported on income and expenses. Smyth reported on Gannett Flemming and Valley Metro pending memberships. Bohannan moved to pay Dorn Policy Group $2,400, Veidt seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
   2. Emmert reported that letters were sent to current coalition members that have not made a financial investment and a letter was sent to potential members.
   3. Emmert reported the new members
   4. Emmert reported that he is working on the 501(c)(3).
   5. Emmert reported on legislative and executive items.
   6. Emmert reported on the stimulus package.
4. Action Items
   1. Smyth reported on regular meetings with MPOs and COGs. MAG agreed to quarterly meetings. A coordinated meeting was suggested.
   2. Smyth reported that ADOT did not do a peer review analysis for the Phoenix – Tucson passenger rail studies. MAG did complete a peer review analysis for the Commuter Rail Strategic Plan. This information is available at bqaz.org.
   3. Veidt shared a letter he drafted for the board to review. Edits were noted. Letterhead will include organizations, not individual names.
5. Committee ReportsNone
6. Unfinished BusinessNone
7. New Business/Discussion
   1. Smyth reported that the SWRC took the position of opposing the proposed transit fare increase.
   2. Smyth circulated a position statement on the Phoenix/Tucson Passenger Rail route. The statement is to be discussed further at a future meeting.
8. Future MeetingsThere was consensus not to have a full coalition meeting in February. Next steps will be the focus of the next board meeting on February 26^th, 2009.

With no other discussion, the meeting adjourned at 12:34

Recorded by,

Eric W. Emmert