Town Manager’s Report
Tuesday
September 20, 2005
MDOT and the By-Pass:
As part of the Central Corridor Coalition meeting on Wednesday, September 14, the Rt. 26 By-Pass project was updated by Guy Whittington, project manager. The key points were:
Advertisements for the bidding will be placed by the end of November, 2005
The project is now being bid as one major project and not two separate elements
MDOT expects contract execution in January 2006
The design and package is about 98% complete
Rights of way for the southerly intersectional area are almost complete
Rights of way along the road path are progressing with completion in Oct. 2005
The full construction is expected to take two seasons, 2006 and 2007 with some minor completions slipping into 2008
The MDOT preference will be for bridge construction and Rt. 202 work in 2006
The road work and northerly intersection would take place in 2007
The Gray Water District work is intended to be done at the same time of the road work though the District has an opt out capability if the unit pricing is higher than expected
Long term planning by the MTA continues to review the exit/entrance ramp configurations
MDOT intends on meeting with the Town of Gray in the near future to discuss the issues of signalization along Rt. 202 and its ongoing maintenance and operations
The Park n’ Ride is being relocated to an area across from the intended intersection on Rt. 202 and the By pass
Current plans provide for conduits only in the northerly intersection but no installation of signals at this time
As a result of the presentation the council has requested Mr. Whittington to provide a summary project update at the October 18 Council Meeting and to furnish the project schedule. We have also asked to be included in the signalization meetings involving Rt. 202 and the data supporting the traffic modeling and flows including the turning numbers at all of the intersections based upon a completed project. The next CCC meeting is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 12 in Gray.
Rt. 26 Road Improvements:
Since the beginning of the Rt. 26 By pass project the Town of Gray has reminded the MDOT that the current road construction and surface from the Village north to the new section starting at the Town line was in horrible condition. We were fortunate to have the Commissioner, David Cole see first hand these issues. We have learned that the MDOT will be improving this section of Rt. 26 slated for the 2007 construction season. In advance of this road work the MDOT has engaged the services of Whitney Tree services to remove specific trees along the road way that interfere with the planned drainage improvements. This work will be commencing within the week.
Additionally, about a year ago the Town and the MDOT outlined a separate drainage project for the immediate area around the Dry Mills Fire Station. That project would help to redirect and control surface water run- off and would be paid 100% by the state. Little did we know at the time that this project would now fit in nicely with the larger Rt. 26 renovation work. The Town will receive a $250 payment for the use of what is already the drainage area adjacent to the Fire Station. The MDOT is in the process of completing the other property rights of ways as well before the work can proceed this fall.
Biennial Training:
Every two years the Town Attorney’s Law firm provides an update on the legislative issues that affect municipalities. The training is scheduled for this Thursday and besides board and committee members who have responded, town councilors will also be present. The topics include new legislation, court cases and right to know updates. This is a training session and not intended to be viewed as an official meeting of any of the town
boards, committees or Council.
Actions and Assignments:
Prioritize the Council’s Work
Work on the CIP-
Rt. 26 By-Pass-Monitor
Council Rule Changes:
Council Finance Committee Duties and Responsibilities
Administrative Code Review
Freedom of Access Law- Email/Internet Policy
Wrap Up the Audit
Town Annual Report to Printer
Section 125 Plan review for Council’s Sept. 26 Workshop
Respectfully Submitted,
Mitchell A. Berkowitz
Town Manager
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