2001-01-02 - Laserfiche WebLink

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274 Mr. Toscano asked if the community wants to reduce the risk to zero, why not do it now. Mr. Caravati said it seems premature to attach a dollar amount to the mitigation measures and said he would recommend that the MPO negotiate with VDOT to minimize the risk without saying what the risk should be. · Mr. Lynch suggested making the request to VDOT contingent on what RSWA decides to do. Ms. Mueller said f'mal water supply recommendations will be available in three months. Mr. Caravati asked who responds to chemical spills and where do they come from, and Ms. Mueller said the Fire Department would respond and whoever else they feel is needed. Mr. Lynch made a motion to instruct the City's MPO representatives to continue to work with VDOT to obtain additional funding contingent on a decision by RSWA to use South Fork. Ms. Richards suggested that the motion include the $950,000 estimate for enhanced measures. Mr. Lynch restated his motion, that the MPO request funding for additional mitigating measures to be added to existing measures to reduce the risk to as close to zero as possible subject to a decision by the RWSA to continue to use the South Fork Reservoir for continued water needs of the community. Ms. Richards seconded the motion. Ms. Mueller noted that Mr. Petrini's memorandum outlines the mitigating measures and recommended they be included in the motion. Mr. Toscano asked if the sense of the motion is to have maximum measures if the reservoir is used, and Mr. Lynch said yes. Mr. Toscano asked about the implications of not doing anything tonight. Mr. Lynch said the request for direction was made by the Chair of the MPO and the MPO will shortly be updating the TIP. Mr. Toscano said he has trouble acting without the benefit of new information. Mr. Caravati said he tends to agree with Mr. Toscano and thinks action is premature. Mr. Caravati said he is suspicious of the motives of some on the MPO and he would like to have more information, including the water supply study. Mr. Caravati said he does not think he can support the motion, and said the motion does not maintain a negotiating stance with VDOT. Ms. Richards said it does not appear the motion will pass and she withdrew it. Ms. Richards said it is an important issue and she puts her faith in the RWSA. Ms. Richards said if there is a risk we need to assume the responsibility for that risk. Mr. Caravati asked what measures VDOT is taking to reduce the risk, and he would like the MPO to continue negotiations with VDOT to minimize the risk. Mr. Lynch said he thinks it would be good to have a redundant intake even if the Bypass is not built, and we now have the opportunity to have VDOT pay for it. Mr. Lynch said he thinks that is a reasonable request to make. Mr. Lynch said this issue underscores the importance of working with our State legislators to make rail freight more attractive. Mr. Lynch withdrew the motion.