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2001 06 28 WS MinutesMINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN June 28, 2001 The City Council of the City of Baytown, Texas, met in work session on June 28, 2001, at 9:00 a.m. in the Main Hearing Room of the Dewitt C. Greer Building, 125 E. 11 `" Street, Austin, Texas, with the following in attendance: Ronnie Anderson Council Member Calvin Mundinger Council Member Don Murray Council Member Pete C. Alfaro Mayor Monte Mercer City Manager Ignacio Ramirez, Sr. City Attorney Gary W. Smith City Clerk Absent were: Mercedes Renteria, III Council Member Scott Sheley Council Member Coleman Godwin Council Member The meeting was opened with a quorum present after which the following business was conducted: Presentation to Texas Transportation Commission relating to the Spur 330 projects. Mayor Alfaro thanked the Commissioners for the completion of the Highway 146 project, the Hartman Bridge project and the progress on the two current Spur 330 projects. The forty- member delegation from Baytown was recognized in support of completion of the main lanes from Fairway to Interstate Highway 10. The Commission has responded favorably to past requests, including the phased approach to Spur 330. The community now asks for expedited funding and construction of the main lanes from Fairway to I -10. The main lanes are necessary for safety, as the traffic on the Spur has increased with completion of the Hartman Bridge and Highway 146 and the expansion of the Port of Houston. Mayor Alfaro reviewed the profile of the community and the transportation links. The Spur and Highway 146 serve as hurricane evacuation routes. Large trucks, often carrying hazardous cargo use the corridors to serve the petrochemical industry and the Port of Houston. Spur 330 is the primary western entrance to the City. The portion of the Spur without main lanes intersects Baker Road, Bayway Drive and railroad tracks. Grade separation is needed. Page 2 of 2 Minutes of the Work Session —June 28, 2001 It is projected to cost $25,800,000 to complete the main lanes. Local funds will be available to assist in the completion. The Baytown Municipal Development District can dedicate $2,500,000 and $3,000,000 has been dedicated by the Houston - Galveston Area Council. Since the opening of the Hartman Bridge, there has been an increase in major accidents along Spur 330, with most occurring at the Baker Road and Bayway Drive intersections. The project is ready for construction. No additional right -of -way is required. No utilities will be moved. Only funding is needed. More hazardous material is being transported over the Spur. The risks of serious accidents and safety risks have increased and can be addressed by completion of the main lanes. The mobilization costs can be avoided by keeping the equipment on the job site. The completion of the main lanes will provide for safer transportation, hurricane evacuation, and will enhance economic development. In 1959 City Council approved an agreement for the Spur 330 project. Much has been done, but the project must be brought to completion. State Representative Joe Crabb addressed the Commissioners and urged the Commission to provide the funding to complete the project. Chairman Johnson noted that the Spur 330 project is a critical project and will be considered. Adjourn. There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 9:23 am G W.S ith City Clerk