THE OHIO RAIL DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
SAFETY, ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES
JANUARY 9, 2003

CALL TO ORDER

The January 9, 2003 meeting of the Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) Safety, Administration and Finance Committee was called to order at 9:12 am by Chairman Larry Sowers. In attendance were: Commissioner Michael Ciotola, ORDC staff members Matt Dietrich, Susan Arduini and Assistant Attorney General Steve Johnson for Alan Klodell.

Matt Dietrich, Secretary-Treasurer, presented the finance report and budget issues. A copy of the report is in the packet. After all proposed projects have been encumbered, to date there will be a GRF appropriation funds balance of $918,949 for the remainder of fiscal year 2003. In the revolving loan fund, after all proposed projects have been encumbered there will be a balance of $2,089,486. The total state funding available for projects for the remainder of the fiscal year is $3,008,435. To this point, ORDC has not received any feedback on its FY 2004-2005 budget.

Mr. Dietrich introduced Chris Baldwin of Strategic Public Partners (SPP). Mr. Baldwin stated ORDC entered into a contract with SPP to develop a community relations strategy to support passenger rail efforts. He stated that public perception is a significant obstacle for passenger rail. One of the goals of their work is to gage community support for this project and foster grassroots efforts. Additionally, SPP’s Washington, D.C. office is active on Capitol Hill and will work to identify other funding opportunities in addition to ISTEA.

Mr. Dietrich presented a project briefing on the Panhandle Rail Line Appraisal (Resolution 03-01). This will allow ORDC staff to develop and proceed with a Request for Proposal (RFP) for both Appraisal and Appraisal Review Services. A motion was made by Chairman Sowers to take the issue to the full Commission. Commissioner Ciotola seconded the motion.

Mr. Dietrich passed out the Executive Summary of the AASHTO Freight-Rail Bottom Line Report. He stated Lou Jannazo deserves commendation for all of his hard work in contributing to the report. Mr. Dietrich stated if anyone would like a copy of this report to contact our office.

Commissioner Sowers adjourned the meeting at 9:33 am.