To: File

From: Christopher R. Bean, P.E.

Date: October 24, 2000

RE: VTrans
       Pittsford-Brandon NH 019-3(49)SC
       CLD Reference No. 00-0219,00-0248,00-0215 and 00-0216

Subject:  US Route 7 Upgrade Steering Committee Meeting 10/16/00

Location:  Brandon Fire Station

1.  Archeological Study Update

Duncan Wilkie introduced Chris Borstel who explained the status of the archaeological study. Chris used the overhead projector to summarize in detail the study conclusions to date. Copies of the overhead slides are attached to the file copy of this memo. In summary, the archeological studies have determined the following:

• Phase 1 studies are 90% complete. Phase 2 studies are 33% complete.
• Five archeological sites have been identified. Three are considered to be prehistoric (pre-European settlement) and two are historic.
• Four out of the five sites will require additional work to determine their Historic National Register eligibility. One prehistoric site will be recommended to be ruled out without additional study. The other prehistoric sites will not likely be determined eligible. The two historic sites are still under study and the determination as to their eligibility cannot be made at this time.
• Field studies at the Fort Vengeance Monument site have not  identified any fort features; however, some domestic building foundation remnants have been uncovered. It is Chris's opinion at this time that there are three sites where the fort may have existed. Chris is in the process of performing additional studies and research to make a final determination.

• The monument includes an inscription noting that the remains of Caleb Houghton's body were removed to this location. To date no validation of this move has been discovered. In fact, the determination has been made that the monument has actually been moved from its original location, so there is additional investigation needed before a determination can be made as to whether the remains are present in the vicinity of the monument.

• A summary of all the archaeological studies will be completed prior to the next Steering Committee Meeting (12/4/00). This determination will identify any remaining sensitive issues that need to be dealt with along the entire project length.

2.  Conceptual Plans Development

1. Field Survey
   Vermont Survey and Engineering (VSE) has nearly completed their field work, and they are in the process of completing the annotation (labeling of trees, houses, driveways, etc.) of the base survey. CLD expects to receive this information in about a month. The updated detail will be shown on the Conceptual Pans. VSE is also under contract to assist CLD with future spot location survey requests as necessary for the duration of the project as changes occur along the corridor.
   
   

2. Whitaker Building in Downtown Brandon
   The engineering studies confirm the Scoping Report's recommendations that the access driveway across from Vermont 73, which currently serves as the exit from the drive-in bank and real estate office, cannot continue to be open as part of the project. Access to the building would be from its single, one-lane width, entrance located on the west side of the building. Wayne then explained that another option, which would relocate the alignment further to the west to flatten the horizontal curve, was considered. This option would have required the taking of the building; however, it would have also resulted in an additional park area and a smoother, safer roadway alignment. Scott Newman indicated that he would review the alternative of taking the building, which resulted in the enhancement of the park area, with DHP again to determine whether that option could be reconsidered. The Committee expressed support for this particular realignment alternative, and they also questioned the historic significance of the building. They specifically mentioned the modern building renovations.

3. Typical Section - Pavement Design
   The proposed pavement design has been presented to the VTrans Pavement Design Committee, and agreement has been reached on the typical throughout all six projects. The decision has been made to remove the concrete in its entirety and reconstruct the roadway with new pavement and base section throughout. This will allow for optimization of the vertical alignment design, since the existing concrete pavement will no longer control the depth of excavation in certain areas. The issue of what will be done with the concrete pavement was raised. An option of utilizing it, perhaps as part of the proposed base section, was discussed. This item will be continued on next month's agenda to update the Committee on further decisions. The Towns asked if we should begin the coordination of utilities now, since there are improvements planned with the Village of Pittsford. Harry McKinlay mentioned that Green Mountain Engineering was putting out a contract to reconstruct the sewer in Pittsford. CLD subsequently called Green Mountain Engineering, and we have since received their contract documents for the sewer work. The scope of this sewer project involves mostly realigning of existing sewer lines.

4. Access Management
   The Project Definition Team had requested that an access management policy be written for the project to ensure uniform application of driveway entrance design. CLD has reviewed the VTrans Draft Driveway Design Manual and concluded that from a design standpoint, publishing a new policy specifically for this project does not appear to be appropriate. Instead, CLD reviewed the current standard treatments of driveways and openings with the Committee (standard detail sheet B-71). CLD will continue using this as the guideline and apply it in the Conceptual Plans development. No further development of an access management policy for this project is planned.

3.  Vermont Division of Historic Preservation Coordination

Scott Newman requested that he field review the proposed layouts with CLD prior to the Conceptual Plans Submission. At that time, he may suggest mitigation measures at certain locations, which will be documented in the Environmental Permit Applications.

Scott updated the Committee on the status of the Bloodworth residence, which is located in Pittsford, south of Route 3 at the southerly end of the southbound truck lane on the west side of Route 7. 

Scott indicated that the owners feel that the house is historic; therefore, if the project requires that it be taken, the permitting process will involve advertising the house for relocation. If that proves unsuccessful, then demolition of the house would be possible.

Scott indicated that his responsibility includes documenting the historic inventory and including that documentation as part of the environmental permit documentation. This information will be used to determine the historic eligibility of buildings.

Scott reemphasized his understanding that environmental documentation, including the CE, Section 106, and Section 4(f), can be developed independently for each of the six projects. This is consistent with our previous understanding. This is important, since it will allow for an individual project to proceed without delay if historic related issues do not require extended coordination.

4.  Landscape Plans

At the previous August 28, 2000 Steering Committee Meeting, the committee asked CLD to coordinate the design of the roadway project with the landscape design for downtown Brandon that is currently being worked on by Landworks. CLD has contacted Landworks and received a copy of their conceptual plans. A copy of the plans was reviewed with the committee. The Steering Committee acknowledged that the final design of the landscaping plans along Route 7 would need to wait until the highway design plans were further advanced.

5.  Act 250 Coordination

A meeting has been set up with the Act 250 District Commissioner on Wednesday, October 25, at the District Commission office in Rutland. Attendees are expected to include Dan Peterson, Assistant Attorney General Scott Whitted, Scott Newman from VTrans, Lynn Saunders from Brandon and a representative from Pittsford, and Bill Grace and Chris Bean from CLD. The purpose of this meeting will be to discuss the requirements associated with the Act 250 permitting for this project. The goal will be to submit all six projects in a conceptual form, which will allow for individual projects to be approved as the design processes are completed. This way, should an individual project be delayed for one reason or another, it will not hold up the permit approval of the other projects.

6.  Project Schedule to Construction

A full discussion of three schedules took place. Copies of the schedules were distributed at the meeting and are attached to the original copy of this memo. All the schedules were aggressive, based on recent VTrans project schedule history. They included a VTrans traditional project schedule which would take about four-and-a-half years to advertise, a modified VTrans traditional project schedule which could cut off about six months, and a municipally-managed project which Brandon qualifies for and could cut off about a year. Several items were discussed, including concern voiced for the length of the right-of-way process. The overall consensus of the Steering Committee was that all the schedules were unacceptable, since they require too much time prior to construction. It was agreed that the Committee, as well as the engineers, will review the information, and the project schedule will be added to the next meeting agenda for discussion.

7.  Bypass Projects

A handout summarizing the purpose of the bypass scoping projects was distributed. A copy is attached to the original of this memo. It was emphasized that a separate Bypass Project Steering Committee will be developed for each town. Each Town's Committee will include a representative from the other Town. The bypass studies will determine whether a more detailed environmental impact statement type of study is warranted for the Pittsford and/or Brandon bypasses. 

1. Contract Status
   Dan Peterson indicated that the intention will be to obtain formal federal authorization for CLD to proceed with this work prior to the October 25th Origin-Destination Traffic Survey. Up until that point, CLD will charge time associated with the bypass projects to the Conceptual Plans projects.
   
   

2. Team and Responsibilities
   CLD will be completing the majority of the work. However, in addition, the Rutland Regional Planning Commission will complete the socioeconomic portion of the study, which includes impacts to businesses, growth, and sprawl. Kathleen Ryan is on the team to complete visual and aesthetics impacts of the bypass options.

3. Project Schedule
   A project schedule was handed out for review. The initial meetings will include a Steering Committee Meeting and a Public Meeting. The bypass studies are proposed to be completed by the end of July 2001. This date is firm, as CLD's environmental retainer contract will expire at that time.

4. Origin-Destination Study
   Handouts describing the O-D Study were distributed. The location of the study will be just south of McConnell Road, and it will involve surveying both northbound and southbound traffic during the daylight hours on October 25, 2000, weather permitting. A question was asked as to whether it would make sense to survey traffic that is coming from Pittsford and entering and exiting the Otter Valley High School. In addition, a concern was voiced about not continuing the survey through the evening hours. The Committee felt that the truck traffic in the evening is excessive and that bypasses would be utilized significantly during that time period. It was agreed that the survey of the trucks at night could possibly be done without stopping and questioning the drivers. These issues will be discussed with the CLD Traffic Team and considered in completing the traffic documentation.

5. Identification of Steering Committees in Each Town
   It was agreed that each Town would appoint five members, and the sixth member would be from the other Town. In addition, Dan Peterson or the future VTrans Manager of the bypass projects would serve on the Committees, as well as representatives from CLD. The Town Managers will report back to CLD as to the composition of the Committees so that CLD can send invitations for future meetings to the appropriate people.

6. Meetings
   The initial Bypass Steering Committee Meeting will be held at 4:00 PM on Monday, November 13, 2000 at the Brandon Fire Station. It was agreed that the initial Bypass Steering Committee Meeting and the Public Informational Meeting will be combined for each community. From that point forward, the Bypass Steering Committee meetings will be held independently. The initial Bypass Public Informational Meeting will be held on Thursday, December 14, 2000 at 7 PM at the Otter Valley High School. The high school's availability on this date needs to be confirmed.

8.  Next Conceptual Plans Steering Committee Meeting

The next Conceptual Plans Steering Committee meeting will be held on Monday, December 4, 2000, at the Pittsford Municipal Building.

CRB:cww

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