23 Mile Slough RSA October 10, 2009 Meeting Minutes
Meeting called to order at 6 pm.
Attendance
Commissioners: Ed Arobio, Irene Coben, Stuart Davies
Residents: Valerie Baxter, Elizabeth Beks, Robyn Davies, Susan Fulmer, Art & Sharon Harlow, Chris Illingworth, Marji Illingworth, Jack Johnson, Eric Lanser, Paul Paden, Dan Rees, Dave Schmitz, Barb & Warren Smith, John Tobin, Frank Walczyk.
August 11, 2009 Meeting Minutes
The minutes of the August 11, 2009 meeting were reviewed and approved unanimously.
Review of Summer Road Work
Gravel and typar were placed on Old Valdez Trail as discussed in prior meeting. Seven truckloads of asphalt patch were used to fix potholes along the length of EFR. Discussion then turned to winter snow plowing. Noted that the emphasis of snow plowing is on the main Eielson Farm Road. Notation made that costs for work done by Mitch at Rolling Stone are double the amount charged by Harvey Mechanical.
Financial Report
Report is that we are doing work within the budget. RSA has $100,000 in savings. $33,000 is available in project account and needs to be spent in the next year. There was some discussion about ways in which that should be done. The next meeting will devote time to developing next year’s maintenance budget. Discussion of the cost of photocopying and mailing notices to residents within the RSA was held. Motion made, seconded and unanimously approved to use $100 of budget funds to use for photocopying and mailing.
Update on Borough Intention to Reduce "Miles" Included in RSA
There was further discussion about the borough's decision to reduce the number of miles covered in our RSA. Old Valdez Trail, beyond McGowan’s driveway, was the reduction in miles because it is not used as a road. The miles will be added when it is drivable.
Project List
Review of the current project list was made to attendees. Consensus to drop culverts and signage which were done with resurface project.
Weed Control
Discussion again made about how to go about weed control. The costs of each type of control (mowing, pulling, spraying) need to be determined and provided to RSA. Some discussion from residents who will not want spraying because wind carried spray could damage crops, and what could be done to limit possible damage to owners' crops along the Eielson Farm Road areas that might be sprayed. Ed will look into permitting for spraying and invite guest speakers to our next meeting who will explain benefits of each method.
Alternate Position Open
Comment made that the commission still needs an alternate commissioner. Request again put out to attendees at meeting to consider this position.
Application for New Subdivisions
Some discussion on owners dividing property for new subdivisions; motion made for approval, second, and unanimously approved for the Coben and Elsberry subdivisions.
Winter Maintenance
A purchase order is in place to straighten road signs, and replace road signs. Commissioners reported they would replace the current yellow speed limit signs with white and black signs. Since the newly annexed section of Old Valdez Trail has no road signs at all, it was agreed that a 25 mph sign would be placed on that road.
There was discussion of plowing main road. Five plowings approved in the budget for the main road. Additional discussion of who plows the other roads in the RSA, liability for plowing, etc. was held. Motion made and approved unanimously to add $5,000 to snow plow budget.
Tax Cap Adjustment
Motion was made to keep tax cap at the same level, seconded and approved unanimously by commissioners. Request was made for more information to determine whether the tax cap should be increased.
Bylaws
Bylaws were presented to attendees. Vote on proposed bylaws will occur at next meeting.
District Council
Stu Davies approved by commissioners to replace Ron Illingworth on District Council.
Next Meeting
Winter meeting scheduled for Saturday, February 12, 2010.
Meeting adjourned at 8 pm.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Engineers report
The borough engineer sent out his report in a pdf file. I am unable to figure out how to post such a file to this blogsite. If you would like a copy of the report email davrobyn@hotmail.com and I will send it to you. Robyn
Friday, October 9, 2009
Bylaws of RSA
Proposed Bylaws of Twenty Three Mile Slough
Road Service Area
Road service responsibilities as identified by Borough regulations:
• Road service area commissioners are responsible for making recommendations to the FNSB Assembly for road construction and/or maintenance and recommendations for the tax levy. After Assembly approval of budget the commission then supervises and manages the approved work. The commission is also responsible to implement policies and programs to protect the safety of the public.
• Commissioners are volunteers who serve 2 year terms at the discretion of the mayor and Assembly. Any resident of the area who is registered to vote may apply for a position on the 4 member commission.
• Three commissioners are allowed to vote, the 4th, alternate, is available to vote if a commissioner is absent
• The commission is responsible for encouraging participation and communication with residents and property owners. To do this they must:
o Hold quarterly general meetings. Special meetings to discuss specific topics may be called as needed
o Prior to August 28th of each year a list of special projects is submitted to the borough. This list needs to be presented to community with input into priorities. As money becomes available the borough chooses from these submissions
o Before March 15th the commission submits their comprehensive budget including proposed short and long term maintenance, permanent improvements and strategic plans. All of this needs to be discussed and voted on at a regularly scheduled public meeting
o Meetings must follow the open meetings act including, public notice at least 5 days prior to meeting and giving the public a reasonable right to be heard
o Each commission needs to elect a Chairman and Secretary. It is the responsibility of the Secretary to take minutes which are kept to record the vote of every member on each question. Minutes need to be submitted to the borough so they are available for public inspection.
Rules of procedure specific to Twenty Three Mile Slough Road Service Area
• Advertising of meetings
o At January meeting set meetings for the following year
o Postcard sent out 2 weeks before meeting to all property owners
o Notify Rural Services about meeting 2 weeks prior to meeting – must fill out meeting advertising notice
o The week before meeting post sign at beginning of road and send out email reminder.
• Yearly meeting schedule
o Winter meeting - vote on comprehensive budget including proposed short and long term maintenance, permanent improvements and strategic plans. Review of contractors performance and vote on renewing maintenance contract. Set meeting dates for the following year.
o Spring meeting - nominate & vote on commissioners to recommend to the Mayor, discussion on breakup problems & repair and summer maintenance
o Summer meeting - Vote on chairman and secretary. Vote on capital project submittal
o Fall meeting –Discussion on tax cap adjustment.
• Finances
o Authorization to spend money will be voted on at a quarterly meeting. No additional money may be spent without another vote at advertised special meeting
• Agenda format to include
o Guest Presentations/comments
o Call to Order by chairman
o Introductions/Sign in, must be signed by everyone present
o Approval of Agenda – additions/corrections may be recommended from all present
o Approval of Prior Minutes - discussion with all present, followed by a vote of commissioners
o Financial Report compiled by Chairman
o Old Business
o New Business
o Public Comments
o Commissioner Comments
District Committee News
o Next Meeting date and time
o Adjournment
Voting Procedure – Anyone present may call for a vote, a 2nd is not needed. Discussion will follow which may be limited by the chairman due to time constraints. All present vote in “straw poll”, but commissioners will make the final binding vote.
Special committees will be established as needed.
Revision of these bylaws may be made by a majority vote of commissioners at any advertised meeting.
Road Service Area
Road service responsibilities as identified by Borough regulations:
• Road service area commissioners are responsible for making recommendations to the FNSB Assembly for road construction and/or maintenance and recommendations for the tax levy. After Assembly approval of budget the commission then supervises and manages the approved work. The commission is also responsible to implement policies and programs to protect the safety of the public.
• Commissioners are volunteers who serve 2 year terms at the discretion of the mayor and Assembly. Any resident of the area who is registered to vote may apply for a position on the 4 member commission.
• Three commissioners are allowed to vote, the 4th, alternate, is available to vote if a commissioner is absent
• The commission is responsible for encouraging participation and communication with residents and property owners. To do this they must:
o Hold quarterly general meetings. Special meetings to discuss specific topics may be called as needed
o Prior to August 28th of each year a list of special projects is submitted to the borough. This list needs to be presented to community with input into priorities. As money becomes available the borough chooses from these submissions
o Before March 15th the commission submits their comprehensive budget including proposed short and long term maintenance, permanent improvements and strategic plans. All of this needs to be discussed and voted on at a regularly scheduled public meeting
o Meetings must follow the open meetings act including, public notice at least 5 days prior to meeting and giving the public a reasonable right to be heard
o Each commission needs to elect a Chairman and Secretary. It is the responsibility of the Secretary to take minutes which are kept to record the vote of every member on each question. Minutes need to be submitted to the borough so they are available for public inspection.
Rules of procedure specific to Twenty Three Mile Slough Road Service Area
• Advertising of meetings
o At January meeting set meetings for the following year
o Postcard sent out 2 weeks before meeting to all property owners
o Notify Rural Services about meeting 2 weeks prior to meeting – must fill out meeting advertising notice
o The week before meeting post sign at beginning of road and send out email reminder.
• Yearly meeting schedule
o Winter meeting - vote on comprehensive budget including proposed short and long term maintenance, permanent improvements and strategic plans. Review of contractors performance and vote on renewing maintenance contract. Set meeting dates for the following year.
o Spring meeting - nominate & vote on commissioners to recommend to the Mayor, discussion on breakup problems & repair and summer maintenance
o Summer meeting - Vote on chairman and secretary. Vote on capital project submittal
o Fall meeting –Discussion on tax cap adjustment.
• Finances
o Authorization to spend money will be voted on at a quarterly meeting. No additional money may be spent without another vote at advertised special meeting
• Agenda format to include
o Guest Presentations/comments
o Call to Order by chairman
o Introductions/Sign in, must be signed by everyone present
o Approval of Agenda – additions/corrections may be recommended from all present
o Approval of Prior Minutes - discussion with all present, followed by a vote of commissioners
o Financial Report compiled by Chairman
o Old Business
o New Business
o Public Comments
o Commissioner Comments
District Committee News
o Next Meeting date and time
o Adjournment
Voting Procedure – Anyone present may call for a vote, a 2nd is not needed. Discussion will follow which may be limited by the chairman due to time constraints. All present vote in “straw poll”, but commissioners will make the final binding vote.
Special committees will be established as needed.
Revision of these bylaws may be made by a majority vote of commissioners at any advertised meeting.
Friday, October 2, 2009
agenda Oct 10th meeting
Please leave comment if you would like to add to agenda.
The potluck will begin at 5pm. Bring your favorite dish to share.
See you there, Stu 490-6485
23 Mile Slough RSA Fall Meeting
October 10, 2009 6-8 pm
Home of Warren & Barb Smith
Agenda:
Guest Presentations/comments
Election of Officers
Call to Order
Introductions/Sign in
Approval of Agenda
Approval of Minutes
Financial Report
---Budget for mailings
Old Business:
---Reduction of RSA mileage – letter to borough
---Summer Road Repair/Maintanence
---State Maintenance
---Project list
New Business
---New subdivision
---Winter maintanence
---Alternate position open
---Project fund ideas
---Tax cap adjustment –
---website
Public Comments
Commissioner Comments
---District Committee News
Next Meeting date and time
Adjournment
The potluck will begin at 5pm. Bring your favorite dish to share.
See you there, Stu 490-6485
23 Mile Slough RSA Fall Meeting
October 10, 2009 6-8 pm
Home of Warren & Barb Smith
Agenda:
Guest Presentations/comments
Election of Officers
Call to Order
Introductions/Sign in
Approval of Agenda
Approval of Minutes
Financial Report
---Budget for mailings
Old Business:
---Reduction of RSA mileage – letter to borough
---Summer Road Repair/Maintanence
---State Maintenance
---Project list
New Business
---New subdivision
---Winter maintanence
---Alternate position open
---Project fund ideas
---Tax cap adjustment –
---website
Public Comments
Commissioner Comments
---District Committee News
Next Meeting date and time
Adjournment
meeting notice Oct 10
23 Mile Slough
Road Service Meeting
Saturday, October 10, 5-8pm
Potluck will begin at 5
RSA meeting at 6
Agenda will include:
Summer road work
Snowplowing
Weed control
RSA Bylaws
Tax cap adjustment
Meeting will be held at the home of Warren & Barb Smith – turn right at Sawmill Trail (4 mile) and follow signs
Don’t forget to bring your
favorite dish to share!
For more information call Stu, 490-6485
Road Service Meeting
Saturday, October 10, 5-8pm
Potluck will begin at 5
RSA meeting at 6
Agenda will include:
Summer road work
Snowplowing
Weed control
RSA Bylaws
Tax cap adjustment
Meeting will be held at the home of Warren & Barb Smith – turn right at Sawmill Trail (4 mile) and follow signs
Don’t forget to bring your
favorite dish to share!
For more information call Stu, 490-6485
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Project List
In order of Borough scoring
$197,912.00 old valdez trail (1) bring all of Old Valdez Trail up to Title 17 standards, includes newly annexed area
$1,289,200.00 Skila & Prince upgrade
$349,800.00 resurface last mile of EFR with RAP
$5,593,467.00 pave 8.1 miles EFR
$66,550.00 repair and replace damaged culverts
$99,825.00 Construct apron entrances for farm equipment from fields to existing roads.
$133,100.00 Construct equipment passing pullouts at three locations along EFR
$266,552.00 sawmill trail bring up to Title 17 standards
$91,520.00 sebaugh bring up to Title 17 standards
$193,380.00 repair corner between Sebaugh and 23 Mile Slough Bridge, realign to straighten S curve
Cowpie reconditioning
signage
$197,912.00 old valdez trail (1) bring all of Old Valdez Trail up to Title 17 standards, includes newly annexed area
$1,289,200.00 Skila & Prince upgrade
$349,800.00 resurface last mile of EFR with RAP
$5,593,467.00 pave 8.1 miles EFR
$66,550.00 repair and replace damaged culverts
$99,825.00 Construct apron entrances for farm equipment from fields to existing roads.
$133,100.00 Construct equipment passing pullouts at three locations along EFR
$266,552.00 sawmill trail bring up to Title 17 standards
$91,520.00 sebaugh bring up to Title 17 standards
$193,380.00 repair corner between Sebaugh and 23 Mile Slough Bridge, realign to straighten S curve
Cowpie reconditioning
signage
Summer Road Repairs
Sent: Monday, August 24, 2009 3:30 PM
Subject: Road Service News
Just a quick update on road repairs.
Our contractor has completed $15,000 worth of asphalt repairs. He’ll be applying one more truckload which will bring the total up to around $17,000.
We have been discussing RAP repair on two sections. The first estimate was $43,000, for two ½ mile sections, without any oil added. We are now discussing a less expensive experiment of $13,000 for a 1/4 mile without oil, near 5 mile.
Tomorrow, weather permitting, Mitch will start $10,000 worth of upgrade on Old Valdez, the newly annexed area. This will include gravel and grading with some typar applied at wet areas.
Your commissioners will be meeting tomorrow night, Tuesday, 7pm at my house. We will be finalizing the projects we are submitting and deciding how to best spend the remaining money in the $45,000 approved for road repair. Please feel free to attend.
Thank you, Stu
Subject: Road Service News
Just a quick update on road repairs.
Our contractor has completed $15,000 worth of asphalt repairs. He’ll be applying one more truckload which will bring the total up to around $17,000.
We have been discussing RAP repair on two sections. The first estimate was $43,000, for two ½ mile sections, without any oil added. We are now discussing a less expensive experiment of $13,000 for a 1/4 mile without oil, near 5 mile.
Tomorrow, weather permitting, Mitch will start $10,000 worth of upgrade on Old Valdez, the newly annexed area. This will include gravel and grading with some typar applied at wet areas.
Your commissioners will be meeting tomorrow night, Tuesday, 7pm at my house. We will be finalizing the projects we are submitting and deciding how to best spend the remaining money in the $45,000 approved for road repair. Please feel free to attend.
Thank you, Stu
Weed control
Below is a summary of what Darcy talked about at our last meeting. We will be discussing this issue in upcoming meetings, Stu
Along our roadsides, EFR has two major invasive plants of concern, white sweetclover (Melilotus alba) & perennial sowthistle (Sonchus arvensis). It would be good to contain these weeds so that they do not move into our fields, or get transported by our vehicles to other areas in Interior Alaska.
Discussion on impacts:
White sweetclover - can create monostands by shading out native species. Possibly has the ability to keep monostands in a forb stage - not moving on to willow stage, which alters moose habitat and forage. Seeds can remain viable in the soil for up to 80 years. It is a biennial, which means it produces flowers and seeds the second year. Control: pulling, herbicides
Perennial sowthistle - aggressive perennial weed that can be hard to eradicate once established. It hogs water resources, which can decrease the number of other plants in the community. It is a prohibited noxious weed, which means it is regulated and cannot be sold in the state. Perennial sowthistle is resistant to most common broadleaf herbicides, which makes control difficult in grass/grain crops. Tilling may increase the number of plants by breaking up the rhizomes. Control: Mowing, pulling (care must be made to ensure the entire root is pulled), herbicides.
Discussion on control:
Darcy suggested 3 possible management strategies. 1 - everyone is responsible for controlling weeds on their road front. 2 - make it a community effort, where pulls are organized community-wide a few times each summer. 3 - RSA issue where funds are expended to keep the roadsides weed free, either by mowing or herbicides. The community seemed in favor of spraying with a broad spectrum herbicide, but there needs to be complete community support and notices when spraying will occur.
Final note - the weeds will only continue to get worse if we do nothing about controlling their spread!
Along our roadsides, EFR has two major invasive plants of concern, white sweetclover (Melilotus alba) & perennial sowthistle (Sonchus arvensis). It would be good to contain these weeds so that they do not move into our fields, or get transported by our vehicles to other areas in Interior Alaska.
Discussion on impacts:
White sweetclover - can create monostands by shading out native species. Possibly has the ability to keep monostands in a forb stage - not moving on to willow stage, which alters moose habitat and forage. Seeds can remain viable in the soil for up to 80 years. It is a biennial, which means it produces flowers and seeds the second year. Control: pulling, herbicides
Perennial sowthistle - aggressive perennial weed that can be hard to eradicate once established. It hogs water resources, which can decrease the number of other plants in the community. It is a prohibited noxious weed, which means it is regulated and cannot be sold in the state. Perennial sowthistle is resistant to most common broadleaf herbicides, which makes control difficult in grass/grain crops. Tilling may increase the number of plants by breaking up the rhizomes. Control: Mowing, pulling (care must be made to ensure the entire root is pulled), herbicides.
Discussion on control:
Darcy suggested 3 possible management strategies. 1 - everyone is responsible for controlling weeds on their road front. 2 - make it a community effort, where pulls are organized community-wide a few times each summer. 3 - RSA issue where funds are expended to keep the roadsides weed free, either by mowing or herbicides. The community seemed in favor of spraying with a broad spectrum herbicide, but there needs to be complete community support and notices when spraying will occur.
Final note - the weeds will only continue to get worse if we do nothing about controlling their spread!
August 11, 2009 minutes
23 Mile Slough RSA
August 11, 2009 Meeting Minutes
Meeting called to order at 7 pm.
Election of Officers
Ron Illingworth, current chair, resigned effective August 5, 2009, leaving a position on the commission open. The FNSB filled the position by moving Ed Arobio from alternate to full commissioner. Election for officers was then held among the three commissioners: Stu Davies, Irene Coben, and Ed Arobio. Without objection, the following were elected:
Stu Davies, Chair
Ed Arobio, Secretary.
The alternate commissioner is now open. A request was put out to those attending meeting to apply to the Borough for this position if interested.
Weed Control Presentation
Darcy Etcheverry made a presentation about weeds along EFR, and how control in that area will help entire RSA. A discussion was then held among those attending about spraying a weed killer like Roundup along EFR road easement next May, probably 2x, to kill weeds (kills everything) to prevent weeds from spreading further into RSA. Cost appears minimal. There was some discussion about making full notification to community to see if there is any objection to spraying.
Prior Meeting Minutes
Reviewed and approved
Update on Current Road Service Work Cost
Stu Davies gave an update on roadwork activities and budget. Stu reported that of the $42,000 approved to spend this year on road maintenance, $10,600 has been spent as of this date, and additional maintenance work is anticipated amount to $15,000.
Update on Borough Intention to Reduce "Miles" Included in RSA
There was a discussion about the borough's plan to reduce the number of miles covered in our RSA. Attendees at meeting encouraged commissioners to hold fast on historically accepted RSA miles. Commissioners will try to give update about borough position at fall meeting.
Update on Road Repairs
The new contractor is Mitch Loveless of Rolling Stone, he is the only one who bid on RSA work. He has made repairs, basically filling all the potholes along EFR, and will continue to finish up that kind of work this week. Commissioners will ask Mitch to give an estimate for road upgrade for the newly annexed portion of Old Valdez Trail, and for repair of EFR on the side of the road from Cobens’ to Old Valdez Trail, and for repair of EFR on the side of the road for about ½ mile before Davies'. There was a discussion about how the oil will need to include rap in order to have the repair work. We are fast loosing the temperature at which that kind of repair can be done, so it is likely, unless it can be done immediately, that these repairs will have to wait until next season. There was further discussion that just putting D1 gravel on the newly annexed section of Old Valdez Trail would not be effective without something to keep it from just being pushed down into the road base by next spring. Commissioners stated that the plan now is to do some grading and gravel before winter at the end of EFR and on the newly annexed section of Old Valdez Trail to get those areas in shape before winter, which they believe can come out of this year's $57,000 budget.
State Road Maintenance
Robin Davies reported that she has spoken with DOT and some legislators about having State maintenance of EFR because of its alternative route use when the Richardson Highway is closed, but of course was told that there is no plan to include EFR as a DOT project or otherwise. Overall the attendees at the meeting agree that this is a good idea. Moved and second that Robin was authorized to draft a letter to the legislature to be signed by the commissioners on this issue.
Road Maintenance committee
Discussion on formation of standing committee to review options for repair/maintenance of road. No one willing to serve on committee and consensus that commissioners would do.
Project List and Submittal for Funding
The borough wants commissioners to submit 2 projects for borough consideration, each up to $500,000 with the RSA to match with 10% of the cost. Those present reviewed the project description list, see attached. Unanimous agreement to assign the equipment pullouts as our # 1 priority and upgrade of OVT, newly annexed, as #2 priority. Commissioners will review, discuss and sign project requests prior to being submitted to Rural Services.
Maintenance needing to be done before winter
Those present did not see a need to mow any roads in RSA. Agreement to grade the gravel end of EFR before freeze-up. No objection or other requests heard from those present.
District Committee News
When Ron Illingworth resigned, he also resigned his position on the District Committee. The commission by-laws were checked to see if that position requires that it be filled only by one of the sitting RSA commissioners, and it was determined that this is not a requirement to serve on the District Committee, so it was suggested that the commissioners ask Ron to continue on the District Committee on our behalf.
Next meeting scheduled on October 10, 2009.
Meeting adjourned at 9 pm.
Attendance
Commissioners: Ed Arobio, Irene Coben, Stuart Davies. Residents present : Bill Blockcolsky, Robyn Davies, Kelly Eggleston, Todd & Dustin Elsberry, Darcy Etcheverry, Art & Sharon Harlow, Jack & Sue Johnson, Jeff Johnson, Paul Paden, Warren Smith, John Tobin
August 11, 2009 Meeting Minutes
Meeting called to order at 7 pm.
Election of Officers
Ron Illingworth, current chair, resigned effective August 5, 2009, leaving a position on the commission open. The FNSB filled the position by moving Ed Arobio from alternate to full commissioner. Election for officers was then held among the three commissioners: Stu Davies, Irene Coben, and Ed Arobio. Without objection, the following were elected:
Stu Davies, Chair
Ed Arobio, Secretary.
The alternate commissioner is now open. A request was put out to those attending meeting to apply to the Borough for this position if interested.
Weed Control Presentation
Darcy Etcheverry made a presentation about weeds along EFR, and how control in that area will help entire RSA. A discussion was then held among those attending about spraying a weed killer like Roundup along EFR road easement next May, probably 2x, to kill weeds (kills everything) to prevent weeds from spreading further into RSA. Cost appears minimal. There was some discussion about making full notification to community to see if there is any objection to spraying.
Prior Meeting Minutes
Reviewed and approved
Update on Current Road Service Work Cost
Stu Davies gave an update on roadwork activities and budget. Stu reported that of the $42,000 approved to spend this year on road maintenance, $10,600 has been spent as of this date, and additional maintenance work is anticipated amount to $15,000.
Update on Borough Intention to Reduce "Miles" Included in RSA
There was a discussion about the borough's plan to reduce the number of miles covered in our RSA. Attendees at meeting encouraged commissioners to hold fast on historically accepted RSA miles. Commissioners will try to give update about borough position at fall meeting.
Update on Road Repairs
The new contractor is Mitch Loveless of Rolling Stone, he is the only one who bid on RSA work. He has made repairs, basically filling all the potholes along EFR, and will continue to finish up that kind of work this week. Commissioners will ask Mitch to give an estimate for road upgrade for the newly annexed portion of Old Valdez Trail, and for repair of EFR on the side of the road from Cobens’ to Old Valdez Trail, and for repair of EFR on the side of the road for about ½ mile before Davies'. There was a discussion about how the oil will need to include rap in order to have the repair work. We are fast loosing the temperature at which that kind of repair can be done, so it is likely, unless it can be done immediately, that these repairs will have to wait until next season. There was further discussion that just putting D1 gravel on the newly annexed section of Old Valdez Trail would not be effective without something to keep it from just being pushed down into the road base by next spring. Commissioners stated that the plan now is to do some grading and gravel before winter at the end of EFR and on the newly annexed section of Old Valdez Trail to get those areas in shape before winter, which they believe can come out of this year's $57,000 budget.
State Road Maintenance
Robin Davies reported that she has spoken with DOT and some legislators about having State maintenance of EFR because of its alternative route use when the Richardson Highway is closed, but of course was told that there is no plan to include EFR as a DOT project or otherwise. Overall the attendees at the meeting agree that this is a good idea. Moved and second that Robin was authorized to draft a letter to the legislature to be signed by the commissioners on this issue.
Road Maintenance committee
Discussion on formation of standing committee to review options for repair/maintenance of road. No one willing to serve on committee and consensus that commissioners would do.
Project List and Submittal for Funding
The borough wants commissioners to submit 2 projects for borough consideration, each up to $500,000 with the RSA to match with 10% of the cost. Those present reviewed the project description list, see attached. Unanimous agreement to assign the equipment pullouts as our # 1 priority and upgrade of OVT, newly annexed, as #2 priority. Commissioners will review, discuss and sign project requests prior to being submitted to Rural Services.
Maintenance needing to be done before winter
Those present did not see a need to mow any roads in RSA. Agreement to grade the gravel end of EFR before freeze-up. No objection or other requests heard from those present.
District Committee News
When Ron Illingworth resigned, he also resigned his position on the District Committee. The commission by-laws were checked to see if that position requires that it be filled only by one of the sitting RSA commissioners, and it was determined that this is not a requirement to serve on the District Committee, so it was suggested that the commissioners ask Ron to continue on the District Committee on our behalf.
Next meeting scheduled on October 10, 2009.
Meeting adjourned at 9 pm.
Attendance
Commissioners: Ed Arobio, Irene Coben, Stuart Davies. Residents present : Bill Blockcolsky, Robyn Davies, Kelly Eggleston, Todd & Dustin Elsberry, Darcy Etcheverry, Art & Sharon Harlow, Jack & Sue Johnson, Jeff Johnson, Paul Paden, Warren Smith, John Tobin
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