SCENIC GATEWAY STEERING COMMITTEE

Minutes – January 21, 2003 Meeting

H.S. Convention Center – 11:00 a.m.

Attendees-SC:  Vickie Berni, David Campbell, Cliff Caughman, Lynn Cole, Tom Lucek, Carl McChesney, Kent Myers, Jerry Raetz, Ken Wheatley, Gerald Wheeler, Evan Yother

Attendees-Guests:  (Speaker) Paul Simms, (AHTD), Ralph Williams (Section Head), Perry Johnston (Asst. Chief of Right of Way), Nathan Young (AHTD); Bo Lea, Jeff Smith, Kenneth Evans, Wayne Harrold??, Web Oant??splg (Entergy);  Don Thomason, Sentinel-Record; Eric Erickson, Appalachian Log Hms; Don Harper; Daniel Moix (EAST Labs-ASMS)

Minutes: November 21, 2002, Meeting approved w/deletion of  ‘s’ – Carl Franks, ASMS.

Kent Myers introduced our guest speaker, Paul Simms, AHTD.  Paul’s presentation focused on highway safety while maintaining the integrity of the natural beauty of the Scenic Gateway corridor.  Concentrated discussion followed re future conversion of the present two-way frontage/service roads to one-way, with additional crossovers and changes in off/on ramps.  At the Magic Springs/Mill Creek Road, traffic signals are not presently warranted per traffic numbers and crash rates. From the city entrance to the east end, a one-way conversion would not be expensive to straighten roads & traffic hooks…forcing traffic into a right lane.  He stated there would be a maximum of approx. 1 mile between exits if made one-way. All contracts have been let re the Expressway Interchange

Committee and guest interaction lasted approximately 45 minutes with many options, concerns, negatives vs. positives put on the table.  (Note:  I will retain my notes in file; however, there are far too many details to record in these Minutes.)

Kent introduced Ralph Williams and explained recently several property owners in the S/G had been concerned/alarmed at the utility poles and lines being installed as well as right of way acquisition by Entergy.  We invited Entergy to this meeting for clarification and discussion re issues of concern.  Entergy was represented by several key individuals, including Bo Lea, Area Manager; Jeff Smith, Project Engineer; Wayne Harold, Engineering Manager. 

Bo stated they were ¾ of way into work project and need to complete their efforts before others can proceed.  Kent stated we have two projects of significance:  The new Expressway area and future development in the S/G.  Entergy presented the current electric power requirements vs. supply by various areas.  There is concern re trees along Grand Ave. that have grown to point Entergy will have to move their poles.  Carl McChesney commented on the new steel poles going up on US 70E being more attractive than wooden poles.  Entergy stated the steel poles are easier to anchor.  David Campbell  inquired about plans for lighting…presently there is none.  Carl suggested they might need to put lighting at intersections for safety.

Further discussion centered on the AHTD & Entergy projects:  for instance  activity on Bath House Row re excavation – also topic at City meeting prior week w/ CBID #3.  An Engineer from the project is working w/Bo Lea & staff.  Bo stated they are going underground.  Entergy’s policy re underground lines is Improvement District will pay.  Cost of underground is very expensive: $50-$60 foot existing overhead feeders. Overhead: run wiring to tap = about 100 foot costs vs. underground approx. $800 per tap = $1,000 - $2000 add to this, per each underground tap.  Bo is not opposed to underground…it is a matter of cost & engineering aspects.

 Lynn presented a challenge re how to maintain/accomplish beauty in the S/G using poles/wires?  Bo responded it will look better once all the old poles are taken down plus they are positioning the new poles further back from the highway &  line of sight.  Lynn asked if they could put the poles behind the structures?  Carl M. said metal poles are less offensive.  Bo stated current project is almost done w/ West US70E not included…cost $5,000 each steel pole.

 Kent asked about new projects in S/G:  2^nd Baptist & Magic Springs’ new additions creating more highway ‘presence/visibility’ & Bo suggested all developers & the City/County bring Entergy into the planning up front and work together.  Cliff Caughman asked if p/o’s pay for underground placement & Bo answered, “Somewhat, considering standard costs re overheads vs. underground a premium…differential cost would be the p/o’s.”  Evan asked if major power poles will be placed on Spring to Second Baptist?  Bo said on the north side.  Vickie Berni asked about MS and Entergy discuss work to be done in their area.  Bo mentioned they have to get right of way….Lynn asked what lead time is required & would E let our S/G p/o’s know whom to contact at E asap re requests to build, need re power, where, when?  Bo said yes, they would.   Evan brought up condemnation concerns for p/o’s & Bo said E & AHTD must work together & move forward…deal with right of way issues.  Bo said Evan was right & E tries to investigate all aspects.

AHTD Ralph Williams & Perry Johnston were given the floor, but little new was left to discuss by this point.  Carl M explained why we had asked everyone to attend, and Lynn thanked Entergy and the AHTD for taking time to attend the meeting…that sitting face to face helped further dialog… that we certainly appreciate their cooperative and efforts on behalf of H.S. and the S/G, specifically.  Perry said the AHTD will stand by and welcomes an opportunity to meet with p/o’s individually, or as a group.

Kent inquired about the next S/G SC P/O Comm. Meeting, and those present on this Committee were going to meet after we adjourned.  They will work on  bringing in more p/o’s in the S/G.

We briefly discussed EAST Labs w/ASMS project.  

Discussion brief re COC Transp. Comm. & S/G SC co-sponsored Ground-Breaking and S/G Dedication Ceremony on Dec. 5^th, 2:00 p.m., at Cutter Morning Star School…will cover next mtg. when more members present.  Lynn handed out programs & Certificates to those present.

Kent stated we need more members attending our SC meetings and more on Action Committees so we can move ahead.  Kent said the City will provide lunch at the Feb. meeting to see if this will bring more of our members out.   We meet Tues., 2.25 at Transportation Depot.

Minutes were approved:  Evan motioned & Vickie seconded.  Adjourned approximately 12:40   

Respectfully Submitted,   Lynn Cole, Chair/Coordinator