00:00:06,700	Good afternoon, warned the Ed Bosch for the meeting room in Manan City Hall. This will be the Bismarck Manan Planning Organization. Board, um, meeting. Well first state the pledge of allegiance, and then we’ll call roll. to the flag of the United States of America. stands.

00:00:44,370	all We can call a meeting to order by calling and roll, please. Mayor Berglund Here Comm Zachmeyer Mayor Frelich. I’m still here. Comm Schwab. And Scher Schmitz here. First item 3 is the minutes uh review and possible approval of the minutes from last month. Are there motion to approve. Second Is there any discussion? You none will call roll. Mayor Burglet, yes, Comm Zachmere. Mayor Frelick, yes, Schmitz.

00:01:23,700	Next item 4 is the 2025 to 2028. Transportation improvement program, amendment, Steven. Thank you, Mayor. So Forgot. I’m gonna do it on my screen. All right. Then I go onto the screen. Oh, there it is. OK. Perfect. This month, uh, the MPO processed one amendment, which is exhibit A in your packet.

00:02:14,470	This affects the 24th through 27 and the 25 through 28 tip, since we are, um, on under both until the end of the year. Uh, the amendment was advertised for the required fifteen-day public comment period, and we also held a public hearing yesterday at TAC. We did not receive any comments on this amendment.

00:02:34,230	It is simply to add a new project to the tip in fiscal year 2025 for pavement markings on various US and North Dakota highways throughout DOT’s Bismarck district, which includes locations inside the MPO area, the cost for the entire project is estimated at 1.4 million, and the details of other details of the project are on the amendment form.

00:03:00,370	So Ta recommended approval of the amendment as presented yesterday. any questions. Policy board members, any questions? Will be the wishes of the board. I make a motion to approve. Second Any discussion Here none will call roll. Mayor Berglin, Comm Zachmeyer, Mayor Frelich and Cheer Schmitz. Next item is the fiscal 2027 transportation alternative.

00:03:36,630	Projects And Kim Thank you, Chair Schmidtz. So The first funding program that we’re going to talk about today is the fiscal year 27 transportation alternatives applications. Stephen said that he was going to be really generous today, and I certainly appreciate his gracious offer to share his screen as we move through some of the exhibit items related to these funding

00:03:59,770	programs. Uh, I’ll direct your attention to exhibit B on page 11 of the packet. The MPO solicitations for this program began in July, and they concluded with the final deadline of October 15th.. 5 applications were received as shown on the summary sheet in your packet, and again, this is exhibit B on page 11.

00:04:27,370	Projects undergo a two-tiered scoring process. They are evaluated and ranked by the MPO’s bike ped subcommittee, and then also scored against MTP objectives by MPO staff.

00:04:49,230	The subcommittee ranks shown in columns 1 through 9 on the summary sheet are converted into a score and combined with the MPO staff score to achieve the combined score in final ranking. Is he having problems. OK. Oh, that’s fine. Do this. We make it bigger OK Uh, the box right here, maybe this is, this is his that is his that is OK OK Mm Increase the resolution. It’s, it’s pretty good, yeah, that’s great. Thank you.

00:05:23,230	OK, so again, um, the subcommittee ranks are shown in columns 1 through 9, and then they’re converted into a score and combined with the MPO staff score to achieve the combined score and final ranking, which is shown in the green column on the far right where it says overall rank.

00:05:42,100	The two-tiered process this year resulted in a tide ranking for a number one priority between the Highway 1806 pedestrian trail, which is a preservation project, and the 3rd Street Southeast sidewalk installation, which is a construction project, although these are two different types of projects, uh, the technical advisory committee felt very strongly that it is important to submit TA applications to North Dakota DOT for their consideration with a very clear

00:06:05,270	prioritization. The projects in the packet are included in a random order beginning with the sunrise Trail connection on page 15, and I will direct your attention there. Um Yeah. Perfect. Thank you, Steven. The submitting agency for this Sunrise Trail connection application was Bismarck Parks and Recreation District.

00:06:33,370	It is a construction project, and the total cost is $591,800 and they are requesting federal amount of $4,730,440. Page 20 in your packet. Provides an overview of the project location and extents. The sunrise Trail connection will be a 10-foot wide shared use concrete trail extension from Sunrise Park to the future extension of Century Avenue.

00:07:03,830	This is approximately 858 linear feet and we’ll add 0.16 miles to the existing trail network. Um The second project in the packet was submitted by the city of Bismarck. We find that on page 31. This is a preservation project. It is a US 83 State Street, Malta-use Trail Rehabilitation.

00:07:32,130	On page 33, we find, uh, map that provides the location and extents of the project. This is a 10-foot wide shared use path, and it is in need of rehabilitation, which will consist of an asphalt overlay on approximately 5700 linear feet along the west side of State Street from Capitol grounds at Divide Avenue on the south. Northerly up to Calgary Avenue where it terminates. However, Calgary Avenue.

00:07:57,730	Uh, has a brand new trail extension that was installed and completed this year, and that now goes from Calgary Avenue and extends to 43rd Avenue Northeast connecting into the greater trail system on in that portion of the Bismarck area. This total cost or this cost.

00:08:23,300	total for this project is 437, City of Bismarck is requesting $349,600. The 3rd project in the packet is on page 40. This was submitted, um, In collaboration with the city of Mandan and the Mandan District. It is the highway 1806 pedestrian trail improvements and on page 4, we can see a map that provides the location and the extent of the project.

00:08:48,830	This is an existing 10 ft wide asphalt pedestrian trail from 14th Street Northwest. Pa 27th Street North. It does pass under the I-94 bridge on Highway 1806. Overlay and drainage improvements would be made throughout, and pedestrian safety enhancements consisting of a separation barrier underneath the I-94 bridge would be insult, excuse me, installed.

00:09:19,800	The total cost of this project is a little over $925,000. However, uh, right of way costs and engineering costs are not eligible and they need to be backed out. So the total eligible cost of this project is 771,175. dollars and C Mod Dawn, Mandan Park District is asking for federal funds in the amount of $624,000 or $112. Excuse me. This is a preservation project.

00:09:45,970	The 4th project submitted was by the city of Mandan, and we find that on page 53 of the packet. This is the 3rd Street Southeast sidewalk installation. This would be a 6 ft wide new concrete pedestrian sidewalk on the north side of 3rd Street Southeast from 6th Avenue southeast on the east to 3rd Avenue southeast on the West.

00:10:05,370	This is a length of approximately 830 linear feet. There is no existing sidewalk there right now, only a footpath trail indicating that there is a need. Page 57 shows the extent of this particular, uh, project. It is a three block project.

00:10:34,100	The total cost is estimated to be $254,689 and the city of Mandan is requesting $206,120 for this construction project. The fifth and final project that’s in the packet. is on page 61. It was also submitted by the city of Mandown. It’s a memorial Highway pedestrian ramp realignment. On page 65 will provide us with the existing location and extents and also what is being proposed.

00:11:00,230	They proposed to replace the existing pedestrian ramp with a realigned ramp connection at Liberty Memorial Bridge and Memorial Highway, which will connect to a future trail being constructed as part of the memorial Highway reconstruction project. This is a construction project. That is estimated to cost $49,0534 and the city of Mandan is requesting an amount of $40,088 to fund this.

00:11:31,830	Um The projects, um, Generatedd a, a great deal of discussion amongst the TAC members yesterday, primarily because they did feel overall that it’s very important to provide that prioritized ranking, um, that clearly depicts our wishes to North Dakota DOT.

00:12:00,030	Um, the ultimate priority is shown on the handout that I did provide to you, and it clearly depicts the order of priority in this manner. The Highway 1806 pedestrian trail improvements. We’re given a number one priority. Sunrise Trail Connection. was given the number 2 priority project. 3rd Street Southeast Sidewalk Installation. It was determined that was a #3 priority. Number 4 being the Memorial Highway pedestrian ramp. Followed then finally by the State Street multi-use trail rehabilitation.

00:12:33,170	Policy board has the option to accept the original priority resulting from the subcommittee in MPO scoring that was on the original summary sheet, or you can accept the recommended priority assigned by TA yesterday. As they are your technical advisory committee, or you may assign a prioritization of your own for North Dakota DOT’s consideration.

00:12:57,870	Do you have any questions on the projects as they’ve been presented or on the discussion that occurred at TA yesterday. I’d be happy to answer any of those. I, I have a question because just because. The scoring that before it got to tack would have indicated to me that. What ultimately got ranked as number 2.

00:13:19,130	Maybe should have been last. So why what drove tack to push that one to the #2 alternative, not that they’re going to fund beyond number one anyway, because I don’t know, I don’t know that there’s funding for anything even full of number one, but. That’s my, I guess. I’d like to understand why that was ranked that way.

00:13:43,270	Certainly, Chair, and thank you for your observations. I will let you know, uh, since you alluded to the funding portion of it, um. Although this is outside of the current federal highway bill, our current bill goes through fiscal year 26.

00:14:02,400	It is anticipated that the funding for this particular program will remain, uh, pretty much the same. And so they’re, they’re working through the program, uh, with the thought that there will be about $823,000 available to fund TA projects. Um, and the projects that are competing for that $823,000.

00:14:28,500	I would just like to inform the TA that they are submitted through the 3 MPOs in the state under 200,000 in population, so it’s, um, jurisdictions within Bizan MPO Grand Forks MPO and now also our new MPO up in Minot, Central Dakota, MPL, um, Additionally, as I said, there was a lot of discussion regarding these projects yesterday, and, uh, the TAC members talked about jurisdictional, uh, preferences, how governing bodies for each jurisdiction might perceive, uh,

00:14:58,830	the, the importance to them, uh, regarding each of these projects. They talked about alternate funding sources that might be pursued to fund some of these projects, um, and they also talked about the intent of The TA funding, whereas this is transportation alternatives funding, um, some of the members, or it was expressed by one member that, um, Perhaps

00:15:26,100	recreational trails, uh, don’t really rise to the level of alternative transportation and maybe belong more into the realm of recreational trail program funding. Um, as a personal observation, that was, that was. Brought forth.

00:15:50,900	However, at the end of all of the discussion, um, The handout in front of you with the ranking that I’ve just provided is the way that it kind of washed out amongst the tac members. Again, you can choose to accept that, and then we will forward these applications on to NDDOT for their consideration for selection, um, or you can make a ranking of your own choice. Go ahead Amiror. Um, on the 1806 pedestrian trail.

00:16:17,900	Could you describe what a separation barrier underneath the bridges. Uh, you know, in my mind, it could be something very simple as far, um, it could be bollards that are put in there.

00:16:36,630	It could be something like Jersey barriers, things that you, you know, the big concrete barriers you see on the bridges, um, but they need something in there because right now the, the pedestrian trail. It actually abuts the roadway section, and there is no separation.

00:17:00,930	There’s not even a curb there, so they, it’s a safety issue, and they, they need to try and, and create some kind of a barrier there to prevent, um, you know, any, uh, vehicle departure, um, entering onto that pedestrian trail. Thank you. Members, what, what are your thoughts? Also north on 1806 at uh I think it’s the Bridge, the pedestrian bridge. And it Uh, there’s a coolie that comes down. In the water, uh, when it rains over. Overruns the top of the path. Is that slated to be corrected also on this.

00:17:41,870	Yes, absolutely, and that would be part of the drainage corrections, the, um, Uh, let’s see, sorry about that, um. Overlay and drainage improvements throughout, and that was one of the items that Cole Higland of Mandan Parks and Rec had previously brought forward was that there is, um, overland flooding right in that area and it’s very, uh, it’s

00:18:02,700	actually frequent. So, I would entertain a motion for what for something. You want a motion to accept the ranking. Well, either except. The tack ranking. Or Or create one of your own one of our own. If you’re comfortable with the ranking that was recommended by TAC.

00:18:57,500	You can just make a motion to, um, approve the applications for forwarding to North Dakota DOT for their consideration with the prioritization recommended by TAC. Which, which would be that we put the Highway 1806 pedestrian trail is the top priority. Meaning it as the well. That’s our priority whether or not they accept that. is still to be determined.

00:19:22,230	So the uh correct me. If I’m wrong, the exhibit B is the MPO’s ranking. Attack ranking is, uh, the handout. Yes, correct. So under both situations, City of Mandan that 1806 is number one priority. That is correct. And the rest of them, um, can you explain to me the difference. In those priorities, cause every one of them then is Ranked separate.

00:19:52,500	Or differently Um I’m sorry, I’m maybe not understanding your question. Are you asking how they rise to a priority through the ranking? No, it just seems there’s a disconnect. Between MPO and tack. On everything except for the 1806. Sure. OK.

00:20:23,500	um, thank you, Mayor Berglund and members of the policy board, uh, again, the members of the MPO bike Ped subcommittee. They, uh They engage in a ranking exercise of their own. They review the projects they do a pairwise ranking where they compare each project against each other project, and then they come out with a rank that rank is converted to a score, so now we have a subcommittee score.

00:20:48,130	MPO staff. Examines the projects against the actual objectives of the metropolitan Transportation Plan, and then a score is provided through that. Uh, exercise by the NPO staff. That is Combined with the sub or yeah, with the bike ped subcommittee score to actually provide that combined score. Um, it’s not a perfect system, but it seems to work.

00:21:19,970	However, this year we ended up with a tie where we’ve got 2 #1 ranked projects, one being preservation and one being construction. The ack is using a different approach using their own technical expertise, taking into consideration the wishes of their governing boards and how they feel, um, perhaps these projects would be a priority or not within their

00:21:49,970	particular communities, um, and again, they talked about the options for additional funding sources that could be pursued to fund some of these projects. if not through the TA program, and after all of that, um. That’s basically where it landed.

00:22:14,500	It started with Gabe Schell, City engineer of Bismarck, stating that the sunrise Trail connection is indeed a very important project to Bismarck, um, although that wasn’t ascertained through the subcommittee and MPO scoring. Um, it is the 2nd year that they have applied for funding for that particular project, it will provide an important connection, um, from the sunrise Elementary. School area, uh, over to what will be the.

00:22:42,430	Extension of East Century Avenue. Although East Centurry Avenue does not exist there today. It’s going to be constructed in 2025. And so by the time this funding rolls around and construction takes place for these projects in 27, that East Century extension will exist, and he felt that it was very important to provide that connection, so much so

00:23:06,230	that he prioritized that above the city of Bismarck’s multi-use. Trail rehabilitation. And, and so that subcommittee, that’s the one that you run through the citizen. Yes. OK, yes. That was where he’s going with it. I’m sorry, I didn’t relay that well, so, I hope I answered all your questions. Thank you. Mr.

00:23:33,500	Chair, I agree with having the 1806 trail is number one. Uh There’s several other factors that also would. Be involved in this Uh, Morton County was involved in building the 1806 trail. Uh, especially once it was getting north of uh where the current Mandan High School is. That was all under county jurisdiction.

00:23:59,700	Water is breaking off and going across the, the trail in the green portion between 27th Street North West and Beretta Street. There’s that green portion. Every spring water goes across every heavy rainwater is going across. Uh, the county received many complaints. So did Morton County Water Board, and that’s also my portfolio.

00:24:24,300	Uh, Martin County side, uh, not to mention the amount of water going through there is also caused problems with the refinery because the water is breaking off and going across their property and they have complained to Morton County Water Board and Morton County Commission. About the war hopefully that the rehabilitation there will cause the water to follow the other drainage.

00:24:48,300	And cross off and try to head towards the Missouri River in the area of the new construction in Manan between Beretta Street. And 39th Street Northwest. Well that new construction has several different high water. Projects that went into effect control flows, but if this can control the flows also in the long run going across refinery property that’s gonna be a benefit to Morton County.

00:25:14,000	The final complaint that ever came in to Morton County before the this portion of the trail reverted to Mandan jurisdiction was the amount of, uh, pedestrian traffic that would come when the new high school was built. And there was always concerns from the school about school children using the 1806 trail to access Mandan High School.

00:25:36,900	And Mandan Middle School, and I know Mandan has a Uh, project planned for 27th Street. Which would include sidewalks which would tie into this trail. And then uh final concern that I heard at different school meetings with the new Mandan high school being built where it was at was the pedestrian traffic coming from Mandan High

00:25:59,770	School to go to the all seasons, uh, arena and football field, um, in that location. This area is gonna have a lot of pedestrian traffic plus a lot of vehicle traffic, so from Morton County’s standpoint, Morton County would support this being the number one. On this list. Unless there’s any other comments, Mr.

00:26:29,770	Chair, I would move to approve the ranking as presented. OK. Is there any discussion? I have no concern. I know from Bismarck’s perspective that Sunrise Trail is, is important. I was only concerned because of the subcommittee rankings. Not putting that as high as #2, but I also realize that.

00:26:58,570	Hopefully the funding will go to the 1806 project out of the MPO here, that’s probably the intention. So If there’s no other discussion, I’ll roll Schmitz, just to be clear, because MPO staff must send a letter to North Dakota DOT expressing our desire of prioritization beyond one just to make clear, um, Comm Zach Meyer, your motion did follow the rest of the

00:27:23,700	prioritization on the list as presented. Thank you. Is there any other discussion? Not we Kol, please. Mayor Berglund, yes, Comm Zacher Mayor Frayley, Chair Schmitz, yes. Next item 6, no. Yes, item 6 correct. I lost, I am not on a track off schedule, am I? I don’t have my agenda up here with me.

00:27:52,070	Are we on 6? Yes, number 6. OK, thank you. Uh, fiscal 2029 highway safety improvement program. That’s again you, Kim Schmitz. OK, we will jump to funding year, uh, 2029 now for the highway safety improvement program, a total of one project application was submitted for this program.

00:28:22,900	The submitting jurisdiction is the city of Bismarck, exhibit I on page 69 details this particular project. The project was scored against the goals and objectives of the MTP by MPO staff points in consistency with the empty. key objectives are provided to TA and policy board for.

00:28:46,430	Uh, you can see that the project is a construction project to, um, construct a single lane roundabout at Yegan Road and Lincoln Road intersection. It will include two Westbound approach lanes to replace the current all-way stop control and to improve intersection traffic control and geometry at Jagen Road in Lincoln Road. The total est ated cost is $3 million. This, um, particular funding program is typically a 9010 split ratio, so the local only has to provide, uh, 10%.

00:29:17,300	Um, so they are requesting the 2.7 million in federal monies from this program. Uh, staff did score it at 11.3 against the goals and objectives of the MTP, and it is consistent with goals or objectives. I’m sorry, 1 A 22 and 4A.

00:29:43,430	Tack voted unanimously to recommend approval of the project to be forwarded to North Dakota DOT for their consideration, and that would be the motion that staff is seeking today. Do you have any questions regarding the project itself or the program that I might. Any questions? would be the wishes I would make a motion to accept. OK. Second, Is there any discussion? He none will call roll.

00:30:17,070	Mayor Berglin, yes, Comm Zachmeyer Mayor Fraley, Jerry Schmitz, yes. Next item 7 is fiscal 2028 urban grants program. Kim, you just don’t get to leave the podium, not for a bit yet, I’m afraid. Thank you, Chair Schmittz. I’ll turn your attention to exhibit L in the packet.

00:30:39,030	This is on page 81, and it is a summary sheet for the fiscal year 28 urban grants program, a total of 2 project applications were submitted for this program, and the projects were scored by MPO staff against the goals and objectives of the MTP. The points do not indicate recommended prioritization by staff, but they’re provided to the tac and to you for your.

00:31:02,000	Information, your discussion, and potential prioritization of projects, I will add a footnote at this time that um. It has often occurred in the past that these projects, project applications are forwarded to DOT without any prioritization, so.

00:31:26,030	I, in your packet we will begin, uh, with an overview of the main avenue reconstruction project submitted by the city of Bismarck. This is exhibit N beginning on page 85. Uh, this is a reconstruction project. The total cost is estimated to be $3.4 million and uh they are only requesting a federal cost of $2 million which means that the local entity is overmatching, uh, the local match.

00:31:52,670	this project, uh, page 94 provides a very good drawing of the roadway section and the project extends, so I’ll direct your attention there. Again, this is the main avenue reconstruction from 7th Street on the west to 9th Street on the east. Reconstruction of Main Avenue Roadway from a four-lane section with parking on the north side to a three-lane section with on-street parking.

00:32:13,500	There would be new concrete pavement, curb, and gutter, street and pedestrian lighting, pavement markings, and ADA compliant pedestrian facilities, storm sewer running east west on Main Avenue will be replaced and upsized to meet current stormwater requirements.

00:32:40,700	Safety improvements include wider sidewalks, boulevards for snow storage and multimodal access and considerations for curb extensions and high visibility crosswalks at intersections, landscaping will be placed in the new boulevards. MTP objectives that were supported by this project were found to be 1A2A2B 2 C 3 C 5 C, and 7 B. Moving on to the next project that was submitted, uh, this is the Downtown First Street and avenues reconstruct, and it is found in exhibit 0 on page 99.

00:33:04,800	This was submitted by the city of Mandan, and it is a reconstruction project, page 107 does have a nice little map. It shows the project extents and the project extents are the ones that are in pink. At phase 2.

00:33:27,770	This is a full reconstruct on First Street Roadway with concrete due to exceedingly poor pavement condition and the need to replace water main which precludes a mill and overlay, um, the extent not only include First Street. It also includes the avenues of um. Fourth Avenue Northwest and 3rd Avenue Northwest.

00:33:59,430	There is also a need, um, To provide sidewalk and sidewalk ramp improvements to replace poor curb, gutter, and sidewalk conditions to bring everything up to ADA compliance. To provide curbba bouts at First Street intersections, signage and striping and also beautification elements such as benches, bike racks, LED, and pedestrian lighting.

00:34:26,500	Uh, there is a potential to examine reverse angle parking, um, as a trial on a portion of First Street and also signalization warrants and potential roundabout placement at First Street intersections will be examined during the preliminary design, however, no, uh, no costs have been. it ted associated with that and um that is only an option that’s being looked at.

00:34:48,900	This phase 2 project is a stand-alone project, phase one has already been awarded funding through the urban, uh, grants program, but phase two is not dependent either on phase one or phase 3. Receiving funding. Uh, the total cost of this project is $4.7 million and The city of Mandan is asking for $3 million to be provided through this federal program. That does indicate that the city of Mandan is also overmatching their local portion.

00:35:22,030	MTP objectives that are supported by this particular application and project are 1A 2A 2 B 2 C 3 C 5 C, and 7B. Yesterday there was, there was discussion amongst the TA, um, they decided to recommend approval of these projects and submit them to North Dakota DOT with no prioritization.

00:35:48,700	Any questions or comments? Question to anyone? Be the wishes of the board. I’ll make a motion to approve. And second, Any discussion He will call roll. Mayor Berglin, Comm Zacher Mayor Frayley, Schmittz. Yes. Next item 8 government partners. Program memorandum of agreement. Go, Kim. Thank you. Uh, yes, this is a memorandum of agreement, and it is exhibit P in your packet on page 119.

00:36:29,770	And we’ve been discussing the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority’s government partner program for the past several months. Through the month of October, approval was granted by each of the NPO’s jurisdictions highest governing bodies, whether those were commissions or councils and the the authorization. was given to participate in the BSPRA’s government partner program.

00:36:53,900	This memorandum of agreement or MOA is intended to provide guidance as to the roles and responsibilities of the MPO and its jurisdictions respective to participating in the government partner program.

00:37:15,700	Should the policy board approve the content and intent of the MOA today, it will be provided to each governing body of each of the participating jurisdictions to sign indicating their agreement, and we will be on our way. obtaining an annual membership and proceeding with all that membership has to offer.

00:37:45,130	So, uh, taking a look at the MOA Article One, to Rearranged my Papers Um, states that this memorandum of agreement is entered into by in between the Bismarckandan Metropolitan Planning Organization and Burley County, Morton County, the city of Bismarck, City of Lincoln, and City of Mandan, who are referred to hereinafter as the parties for the purpose of establishing a mutual framework governing the respective responsibilities of the BMMPO and the parties for the provision of the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority BSPRA Government Partner.

00:38:07,470	Program, GPP annual membership through the BMMPO. You can tell we love our acronyms. I, the, uh, remainder of Article One cites US Code of Federal regulations charging the NPO with providing a continuing cooperative and comprehensive planning process and authorizing the NPO to enter into agreements such as this MOA to accomplish this task.

00:38:32,630	Uh, so we will go to the next page and take a look at Article 2, which, um, details the scope. Mm The GPP is designed to assist communities along or adjacent to new passenger rail service routes. This article provides examples of how this may occur through the GPP membership along with the term of the membership, which is 12 months.

00:38:58,130	Hm It does, uh, provide some information about additional goods and services and any ancillary goods or services would require a supplemental agreement or contract beyond this memorandum of agreement. There’s nothing in the MOA which requires participating entities to use the Bismarck Man and MPO to acquire or to provide these goods or services. We’ll move on to Article 3.

00:39:24,030	Interagency communications. To provide for consistent and effective communication between the BMMPO and the parties, each agency shall appoint a principal representative to serve as its central point of contact on matters relating to this MOA. This designation shall be communicated by the parties to the BMMPO.

00:39:52,630	Article 4, it addresses the supplemental agreements that we’ve already alluded to in response to requests from the parties for BMMPO assistance with activities concerning the GPP membership, but outside of the scope of this MOA, these are ancillary goods or services. The BMMPO and the parties shall conclude mutually agreed upon, written supplemental agreements or essays. Um, Article 5 responsibilities of the participating agencies responsibilities of the BMMPO.

00:40:24,170	The BMPO shall secure a one-year GPP membership on behalf of the parties as outlined in Article 6 funding and responsibility for costs. The MMPO shall act as a liaison between the BSPRA GPP and the parties and facilitate a coordinated and comprehensive planning process in accordance with this MOA.

00:40:51,900	BM MPO shall inform the principal representatives of the parties of all BSPRA GPP activities forums, guidance materials, webinars, or other resources offered by BSPRA GPP to its members in a timely and coordinated manner as such information is disseminated by BSPRA GPP. B M MPO shall convey and coordinate training or funding opportunities to the parties as provided by or through the BSPRA GPP.

00:41:22,300	B M MPO shall provide detailed periodic progress, financial and other reports to the parties as made available by BSPRA GPP to foster a coordinated approach to planning for the restoration of passenger rail service as provided for under this MOA.

00:41:48,130	BMMPO shall advise the parties of all potential necessary action required by governing bodies, elected officials, or government departments and deadlines associated with such action in accordance with the purpose, terms and conditions of this MOA. The responsibility of the parties. The parties shall pay all costs associated with the BM MPO’s provision of goods or services under this this MOA as outlined in Article 6 funding and responsibility for costs.

00:42:13,600	The parties will convey to BMMPO the name, address, and all pertinent contact information for each of its principal representatives. The principal representatives of the parties shall convey all BSPRA GPP activities, forums, guidance materials, webinars, or other resources offered by BSPRA GPP in a timely manner to the appropriate person or persons within its agency to ensure sufficient opportunity for participation by a representative of the agency.

00:42:45,630	The pri the principal representative or representatives of the parties shall ensure all appropriate personnel elected and or governing body officials are adequately and appropriately apprised of activities, resources, or other actions of the BSPRA GPP, which may or may not directly impact the parties and may include public presentations or presentation of items to elected or governing officials.

00:43:14,400	The parties agreed to participate to the extent practicable in BSPRA GPP activities forums, guidance materials, webinars, or other resources and to seek to assist in the coordinated comprehensive approach to planning for the restoration of passenger rail service to the MPA or Metropolitan Planning Area.

00:43:42,900	The principal representatives of the parties shall develop announcements correspondence interdepartmental and public notices or ensure their development specific to the principal representatives agency requirements. Article 6. is funding and responsibility for costs. The parties shall pay costs respective to the fee associated with the annual membership in the BSPRA GPP by reimbursing BMMPO for the 20% local amount of its payment to BSPRA GPP.

00:44:12,730	The full one year membership payment of $6000 US dollars will be submitted by BMMPO upon acceptance of this MOA by the parties and BMM PO upon MBM MPO payment, BMMPO will invoice the parties for their participants share, which has been assigned according to the standard population-based formula used by and between BMMPO and the parties.

00:44:40,070	The assigned amounts previously approved by the parties governing body. bodies are as followed Bismarck $720 Mandan $240. Burley County,,,, $180. Morton County,, $30 and City of Lincoln. $30 The parties shall remit to be MPO their participant amount as shown above and invoiced within 30 days of the invoice date.

00:45:08,330	BM MPO will provide from its consolidated planning grant, the funding for 80% of the annual membership fee or $4800. The MMPO has made provisions to guarantee availability of sufficient funds to meet this expenditure within its current budget. Article 7 is public information. In general, the parties are responsible for all public information relating to their respective agency and participation in the BSPRA GPP.

00:45:35,030	The parties in the MPO shall make its best efforts to give the other party advanced notice before making any public statement regarding work contemplated undertaken, or completed pursuant to this MOA.

00:46:02,230	Article 8 contains a few miscellaneous items and basically what it boils down to is that this MOA doesn’t affect any previous agreements that the NPO may have had with parties and anything resulting from this MOA which requires performance beyond the expiration of the MOA will not be affected by its expiration pardon me.

00:46:32,170	Article 9, effective date and termination effective once all signatures have been obtained and MOA is fully executed, uh, this MOA terminates at the expiration date of the one year annual GPP membership. Ta had the opportunity to um Uh, basically walk through this MOA and they voted unanimously yesterday to recommend approval of the MOA as presented, Staff would be seeking the same motion today. Any questions on the MPO? Or I’m sorry, on the MOA.

00:47:03,100	What are the wishes of the board? I’ll make a motion to approve. Second And any discussion. M. Chair, uh, I personally do not. Like the big sky passenger rail authority. I have no faith and confidence in them. They have their own political agenda. And they need us to help. political agenda. Uh, this was discussed at Morton County Commission.

00:47:32,430	Morton County Commission felt that for one year’s worth of membership. It is worth the Risk of joining. And so I will be voting for this because I have to bring forward the wishes of my main board. But personally, I have no faith and confidence in this organization whatsoever. They have their own political agenda.

00:47:57,030	It’s about all the trains coming through here and the economic impact. All’s gonna depend on timing. And since they’re the ones leading it, I’m sure they’re gonna make sure the trains come through them. To benefit their interests more than ours. So personally I’m against it, but I have to vote for it because that is the wishes of the Morton County Commission.

00:48:21,030	OK You, you alluded to political agenda. What would be their What are you assuming the political agenda is the first time they met with Morton County and they said we were the first jurisdiction in North Dakota they met with.

00:48:42,370	They said their main purpose on all of this was to restore rail to billings and Bozeman and increased tourism to western Montana. They never said anything about what it would do for the state of North Dakota or for any of the local entities. There’s also concern. Not a lot of concern, but some minor concern from Amtrak where, uh, services. Mainly Pierce County.

00:49:08,000	Ward County and Williams County that if uh This passes, what’s the chances of Amtrak taking away. Services to the northern part of North Dakota in order to move it to the I-94 corridor here. Whether that’ll happen or not, do not know. But Amtrak is never turned a profit. It’s still a federal agency. The Federal government took it away in 1979.

00:49:32,730	It doesn’t mean it won’t take it away again. And I just think this is a bad waste of the taxpayer dollars. But I, you know, I am in the minority feeling that way. OK. Any other comments? We have a 1st and a 2nd, so we’ll call roll. Mayor Berlin. Comm Zach Meyer, Mayor Freli, Cher Schmitz, yes. Next item arrived 2050 MTP Jason.

00:50:13,630	Yes, can you hear me OK? We can thank you. Um, and I apologize my camera’s not working. I’m here. So a quick update, um, we’ve been going through um approvals on the, the draft. Uh, and keep you document, um, The comment period closed October 23rd.

00:50:38,170	Um, we had a presentation to the of the DOT management committee. I had a few comments that incorporated a few of those. Um, into the, the final version, um, we have gone through 4 of the 5 planning and commissions for their approvals thus far. Um, we have uh Martin County tomorrow night and then on to the city and county commissions, um. for approvals, uh, before the interview.

00:51:01,170	And that’s a, a, a quick update, but again, uh, going to the approval process and on the MTP as uh we uh wrap up the. Does anyone have questions? Doesn’t appear to be, so thank you. Thank you. Next item 10 safe routes to services complete street study, I believe Cody Christiansen.

00:51:34,270	Yeah, hi, you guys. Yes All right, yeah, so I’m here to give you guys an update on the Sefe Us services plan. Um, we recently had our, excuse me. Uh, final public engagement.

00:52:04,130	We had an open house on October 21st at the Mandan Morton Public Library, um, got some, some good feedback from folks there on uh both our priority area locations and um recommendations as well as our uh priority strategies, um, we looked at the mobility hubs, some transit improvements as well as complete streets.

00:52:28,170	Um And we also had our, our, uh, 4th steering committee meeting in early October, um, or again, um, And uh good feedback on those and, and have worked those into our uh draft report that was provided to the NPO last week, um, and that will be coming out to the steering committee and, and the public here in the near future, um, that wraps up our public engagement process, uh, the issues identification we went through early in the project, um, looking at walking and

00:52:48,530	biking, transit activity nodes, uh, barriers, and also, uh, origin destination analysis. Um Summarizing our, our strategy development of both our priority areas in both Bismarck and Mandan, um, as well as those priority strategies of the mobility hubs, transit improvements, and the complete streets, uh, also in there is a funding plan and implementation

00:53:15,100	plan, uh, try to provide a roadmap for uh getting these, these different projects and policies across the finish line. Um We will be presenting uh the final report to the Mandan City Commission on December 3rd and the Bismarck City Commission on December 17th, and we’ll be back, uh, in front of the MPO

00:53:37,700	Tech and Policy board on the December 16th and 17th, respectively. Um, so that is where we’re at. Any questions? I’m looking forward to the presentation. It has a major impact. To our communities. Thank you. Thank you. Number 11, 2024 pavement conditions and collections analysis, and I believe Mona. Yes.

00:54:09,070	Can you hear me OK? Yes Uh, great. Um, for this project, we have completed the data collection for the entire network. I mean, all the functionally classified roads within the jurisdiction as well as the uh C of Bismarck. We also coordinated with the local media outlet to cover the events, it’s completed successfully in not in October.

00:54:36,370	Currently, uh, we are working on data processing and analysis to update the payment uh condition database and develop the maintenance and rehabilitation work plan. Um, everything, um, is going smoothly as planned, and we are on a schedule to finish this project by the end of the year.

00:54:59,830	I think that was um that’s all I have for this update. Thank you. Any questions? Thank you. Thank you. Uh, we’re at item 12 other business. Go ahead, Kim. Uh, for many of you actually already know this information, but for those of you who don’t, uh, Rachel Lukasszewsky has been with the NPO, um, quite a while now and has been in the

00:55:34,630	executive director position for the MPO the last several years and has done such a wonderful job of leading us, and we are going to be extremely Sad to see her leave us um this will be her last meeting with the MPO and we will be having a little get together up um on

00:55:55,370	the 2nd floor of the, the um. Uh, city county office building and we’ll be meeting in the Blackstead Room. We’ll have some refreshments, maybe a little cake, um, and a chance to wish Rachel well, and that’ll be from 3 until 5 p.m.

00:56:16,700	totally open house styles like just drop in if you have a few minutes, um, and that’ll be on Thursday, the 21st, so. Hope to see some you there. Rachel, thank you for your service and good luck as you. Take on this adventure across the ocean. Thank you very much.

00:56:36,230	It’s been a pleasure to work with you and your staff for these several years and um we will miss you and we will think of you very fondly. I appreciate you. Thank you. Is there any other business? Hearing none