I. Introductions

The meeting came to order at 7:07 p.m. A list of attendees is attached. We took a moment to introduce ourselves to the other persons in attendance.

II. Meeting Orientation

Mr. Sych updated the group on the recent activities of SAUPC, including the effort to elevate the rank of this issue in the eyes of MDOT.

III. Draft Response to MDOT

Mr. Sych discussed the letter received from MDOT Director Gloria Jeff regarding the priority of US-131 in the eyes of MDOT. Mr. Sych has drafted a letter of response to Ms. Jeff, highlighting the need to restore US-131 to the priority it had received several years ago, and to the same level as the activities regarding US-131 in the Constantine area. Mr. Sych opened the discussion of the letter for comments. Mr. Brown suggested that we strengthen the language regarding the at-grade rail crossing to include language highlighting traffic flow problems and the number of trains crossing US-131 on a daily basis. Mr. Sych questioned Mr. Start regarding the appropriateness of contact Ms. Jeff directly regarding this issue; Mr. Sych responded that it is appropriate because communications have previously been addressed to Ms. Jeff. Mr. Harden suggested contacting the groups involved in promoting US-131 projects in the St. Joseph County area. Mr. Visel suggested several groups to include in the mailing, and further suggested a letter-writing campaign, in which letters would be solicited from the other persons and agencies we are contacting regarding this matter, as a means of promoting the increased interest in and support for resolving this issue. Mr. Visel furthermore suggests that we challenge the notion that a lack of consensus previously prevented further action on this issue, citing the fact that MDOT unilaterally terminated the planning process. Mr. Sych commented on the failure to complete the corridor study. He further commented that the letter-writing campaign could be supported by the summary paper (discussed below) that was developed for educating individuals and officials regarding this issue. Mr. Brown indicated his agreement with Mr. Visel's suggestion, and believes it will demonstrate local support for this issue. Mr. Dean suggested the possibility of connecting US-131 to the new (M?)-217 which passes west of Union, MI, eliminating the need for smaller loops around communities located along US-131, with the ultimate goal of determining the best route for SAUPC to support. Mr. Brown indicated his concern that we do not benefit from pointing out to MDOT the means by which the previous dialogue was terminated; Mr. Newell indicated his support for this position.

IV. Summary Paper

Mr. Sych developed a summary paper regarding the activities of SAUPC since its inception. The paper is designed to update officials at various levels of government regarding local activities regarding US-131, with the goal of securing their support in elevating the priority of US-131 in the eyes of MDOT.

V. Access Management Updates

A number of people attended this group to question the Village of Schoolcraft's progress on the access management plan. Mr. Harden will remain after the meeting to address those concerns.

VI. Next Steps

A. Meeting Dates (Monthly vs. Quarterly)

Mr. Sych suggests that we meet on 24 March 2004 to continue the discussions regarding the response to MDOT Director Gloria Jeff.

B. Meeting with MDOT Planner

Mr. Sych indicated that an MDOT planner has informed him of his willingness to begin attending SAUPC meetings. Certainly, SAUPC members and others support this gesture by MDOT, and are desirous of having that representation.

VII. Adjournment

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m. The next meeting of SAUPC will be held on Wednesday, 24 March 2004 at 7:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

John Sych

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Attachment 1
List of Attendees

Moderator

John Sych

Prairie Ronde Township

John Chapin
Newell Dean

Schoolcraft, Village of

Tim Brown
Loren Warfield

Schoolcraft Township

Don Ulsh

Other Officials

David Maturen, Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners
Jon Start, Kalamazoo Area Transportation Study
Reed Youngs, Kalamazoo County Road Commission

Media

Tom Haroldson, Kalamazoo Gazette