Executive Committee Meetings
Minutes 2003

• Dec. 16, 2003
• Nov. 19-21, 2003
• Nov. 4, 2003
• Oct. 7, 2003
• Sept. 16, 2003
• Aug. 5, 2003
• Jul. 27, 2003
• Jun. 12-13, 2003
• Jun. 6, 2003
• May 2, 2003
• Apr. 4, 2003
• Mar. 7, 2003
• Feb. 7, 2003
• Jan. 12, 2003
• Jan. 9, 2003

December 16, 2003

2:30 pm Eastern

Executive Committee Members participating in the call: Mike Blankenship, Terry McNinch, Bruce Drewes, Ron Hall, J.W. Chism, Lisa Harris, Frank Peloubet, Duane Smith (Treasurer), Gib Peaslee (for Jim Burati)

Others participating in the call: Al Alonzi (FHWA), Lisa Pogue (LTAP Clearinghouse)

Executive Committee Members not participating in the call: Costas Papacostas, Chris Ahmadjian, Jim Burati, Linda Pitstick (Clearinghouse Liaison), Tony Giancola (NACE)

1. Regional Representation: Regional input gathered from the centers was discussed. Ron Hall moved to table the recommendation of the Regional Representation Task Force. Seconded. The motion passed.
2. Safety Circuit Rider Program: Mike Blankenship discussed this project with the Office of Safety. They would consider a proposal to fund one, half-time or possibly a full-time safety circuit rider for one center as a pilot. Mike is looking for centers to assist in developing the proposal. Interested centers should contact him.
3. NLTAPA Work Plan and Budget: Lisa Harris and Mike Blankenship updated the EC on progress in developing the Work Plan and Budget. Some additional details will added to the work plan. A draft is expected to be ready for the TRB meeting for discussion and comment. If a vote is needed for a dues increase, it can take place at the summer meeting.
4. NLTAPA Treasurer's Report: Duane Smith distributed a current financial report (see attached) All but 11 centers have paid their dues. Mike Blankenship will contact Hawaii to inquire about any balance of funds from the Vendors display fee.
5. NLTAPA Planning Calendar: Frank Peloubet presented the updated planning calendar that extends out to December 2004. A suggestion was made to include the name of the NLTAPA representative who will attend our Partner events. Some minor corrections will be made before distribution. A suggestion was made that the EC should update the calendar during every conference call.
6. NLTAPA Winter Meeting at TRB: EC meeting, 10:00 am - noon; General Meeting, 1:00 - 5:00

Call was completed at 3:40 pm.

Respectfully submitted, Terry McNinch, Michigan LTAP

November 19-21, 2003

Washington D.C.

In Attendance: Executive Committee Members: Lisa Harris, Maria Ardila-Coulson (for Costas Papacostsas) Jim Burati, Bruce Drewes, Ron Hall, Frank Peloubet, Terry McNinch, Mike Blankenship, Dave Grouchy (for J.W. Chism), and Jeff Cathcart (for Chris Ahmadjian) during the Workforce Development meeting; LTAP Clearinghouse Advisory Committee Liaison: Linda Pitstick; Additional Participants: Al Alonzi, Bill Evans, Gib Peaslee, Lisa Pogue

Wednesday, Nov. 19

T2 Best Practices Project: Roger Dean briefed the committee on a project being undertaken to collect T2 Best Practices. A focus group would be meeting on December 2. He asked members of the committee to complete a best practices survey.

Strategic Plan Update: The process and results of the Nov. 17 & 18 SPC meeting on performance measures were briefly discussed. The measures document will be posted on the SPC web site for review and comment. The APWA Clearinghouse will set up a conference call for discussion of the measures.

Product Showcase - Gib Peaslee: Implementation resulting from the previous 6 showcases has resulted in a quarter of a billion dollars in savings for agencies. Gib reviewed the next showcase, the Mendocino County Safety Program, which will overview the results of the county's safety improvement process that has been in the works for the past 10 years. This session is expected to take place in the fall of 2004. Participants will be invited nationwide.

Regional Representation: The committee discussed a proposal prepared by the Regional Representation Task Force regarding the disparity of regional representation. The consensus of the committee was that there needs to be additional clarification and understanding of the issues including discussion of the pros and cons of increasing or decreasing the number of representatives on the executive committee. A motion was made by Bruce Drewes and seconded. Motion: To table this issue until it can be discussed during the December conference call. The motion passed.

Utah to Join Region 10: The Utah center has requested that a constitutional amendment be submitted to allow them to join region 10. Their justification is that this region more closely represents Utah geographically and that their involvement with the centers of region 10 makes this a logical move. After discussion, the committee agreed to support an amendment. A motion was made by Bruce Drewes as seconded. Motion: That a vote be placed before the membership prior to the TRB meeting to change the constitution by allowing Utah to move from Region 8 to Region 10. The motion passed.

11:30 AM - TRB Research & Technology Coordinating Committee - Walt Diewald: Research needs include not only FHWA and State DOT's but local agencies too. The question is continually asked "what is the federal role in technology implementation? What is the state's role? What are the problems at the local level? Are these problems suitable as a research need? There is an opportunity for LTAP to help define problem areas experiences by local agencies. Is LTAP interested in helping define local needs? How? LTAP focus groups? Local representatives on TRB committees? Discussion suggested that this effort would look something like the Minnesota Local Roads Research Board, but on a national level.

12:30 pm - Advisory Committee on Partnering (ACP): Bruce Drewes led discussion about the kind of partnerships the NLTAPA should consider engaging in - private industries? Associations that represent private industry? Non-profits only? Partnerships that bring benefits to NLTAPA?

1:30 pm - The ACP met with representatives of ATSSA about a possible partnering agreement. After the meeting, the ACP members reviewed the discussion with the entire executive committee. A motion was made by Bruce Drewes and seconded. Motion: That the partnership activities with ATTSA remain a center-by-center activity and that the discussion on NLTAPA national partnership would be put on hold. The motion passed.

1:30 pm - During the ACP / ATTSA meeting, the remaining members of the executive committee laid out the agenda for the TRB NLTAPA winter meeting (see attached), reviewed the liaison list and determined contacts that needed to be made in order to update the list (see attached)

3:00 pm - Bill Buechner, ARTBA: Mr. Buechner gave an overview of ARTBA and an update on TEA 21 reauthorization. He discussed with the committee their offer for LTAP centers to get involved with the ARTBA OHSA training program. A number of centers are ready to move ahead with this initiative. It will be a center-by-center effort. ARTBA has assumed administrative responsibilities for the CUTC. Discussion ensued on the NLTAPA's fit with ARTBA and our ability to expand services to contractors. ARTBA invited LTAP representatives to attend their national legislative conference Feb. 25, 2004.

4:30 pm - NLTAPA Partnership Agreements

• APWA Partnership Agreement - Lisa Harris: Ms. Harris reviewed for the committee the Draft APWA /LTAP partnership agreement that is up for renewal. The committee selected a number of activities from the draft list and gave her the ok to move ahead. This agreement would be signed during the TRB meeting and again at an APWA conference.
• NACE Partnership Agreement - Bruce Drewes - A draft agreement is in the works. Discussion of issues took place. This agreement would be signed at the NACE National Conference in April, 2004.

Thursday, Nov. 20

8:15 am: The executive committee met with Joe Toole to discuss TEA 21 reauthorization and the draft bills that were working their way through the Senate and House committees.

9:00 - Workforce Development Meeting

Participants: AASHTO, ARTBA, NACE, APWA, ASCE, NICET, NTTD, ITE, FHWA

Joe Toole, FHWA kicked off the session and indicated that the intention of the meeting was to bring all the major members of the transportation community, identify workforce development needs and help to identify areas where LTAP can have an impact. Mike Blankenship gave an overview of LTAP and encouraged the attendees to consider how LTAP work with them to address the upcoming need for workforce development. At this point representatives of each group were given an opportunity to offer their organization's views on the workforce development issue. (what follows is a summary of some of the points raised)

• NTTD - they would like to capitalize on what LTAP does.
• AASHTO - not just about steel and concrete anymore. AASHTO is not known for doing training, but AASHTO fully supports training. Operations training is needed at both the state and local level, as well as preventative maintenance and performance measuring, quality control and inspection (this is being contracted out - who will train?), Safety - pedestrian guide and safe routes to school in SAFE TEA, snow and ice CD program, product evaluation on the AASHTO web site.
• APWA - They did a survey of members to determine training that is needed. Members are asking for Technical and Management skills. When asked what they look for in training: 1.Subject, 2. Quality, 3. Cost. What kind? 1. Live - nearby, by their state chapter, 2. At local colleges, 3. Live - at national workshops
• ARTBA - management skills and finance skills, information technology skills. Consider the impact of 2 earner households, with kids - makes travel tough. ARTBA is looking at web based-user driven training. Also consider the shift in gender mix, this affects how and when training can be done. Bilingual training is also important - 25% of the construction workforce speaks Spanish.
• ASCE - They are looking at qualifications for engineers. Should an engineer possess a "body of knowledge?" To practice "you need to know this." Considering requirement of Masters degree or 30 extra credit hours. Currently lack skills in finance, IT, management.
• NTTD - Some state DOT's have done the management training, but need help with technical training. Could LTAP help fill this gap?
• ITE - They see the same need. Plus the need for safety training is special to local agencies. There sessions are often standing room only.
• NACE - LTAP needs stable funding if they are to reach more then 30% of the audience. Should also look to other organizations for resources. There should be a Road Scholar program in every state. Proposed rules concerning bridge inspection could create a huge need for training and recertification. LTAP has a much-needed role to play within the TRB, committee representation and NCHRP research and implementation.
• Joe Toole - it may be time to tap the private sector.
• NACE - FHWA Office of Safety should consider providing resources that could place a Safety Circuit Rider in every state. The recent expansion of the Foundation for Pavement Preservation is another good match for LTAP.
• ARTBA - be aware of demands for certification. Changing demographics will drive privatization of responsibilities. Work Zone safety is a ongoing issue with private companies - LTAP can capitalize on this.
• Joe Toole - LTAP needs to understand who the audience is, what they want and need.
• ITE - consultants are being relied on more and more. Then continually need to be kept up to speed. Materials in Spanish are a big issue. LTAP needs to tap into vendor expertise and other technical personnel.
• ARTBA - due to the changing demographics, consider designing training for the audience you will have 5 year from now.
• ITE - Many people in positions of responsibility are missing fundamentals, there is an onus on the employer to train. Public scrutiny is increasing. People need a new skill set. As a group LTAP is under equipped - dollar wise and resource wise.
• We need to know what each group can offer. What about some online indexes? Could the feds do this? We need to be honest with each other what we can do and what we cannot. Mike Blankenship - informed the group that our current audience was 230,000 customers.
• APWA - it is even hard for their national to know what state chapters are doing.
• NACE - some kind of indexing needs to be done.
• ARTBA - there is a "plenum of information, but a dearth of access."
• Joe Toole - Just knowing that training is available isn't enough, people need access to it and to the materials.
• ASCE - They are also looking at delivery mechanisms. Trying to use "webinar" as online seminar.
• NICET - we are reacting to needs NOW, but what about 5-10 years from now. Use of modified standards from state to state complicate the issue.
• Joe Toole - Summarizing. Where do we need to go from here? Create an index? Would that work? Promote our successes - road scholar, T2All, web training? What can we do collectively to make this happen?
• NACE - there needs to be follow up meetings to keep some momentum. What about a menu of activities that participants could choose to get involved in?
• Joe Toole - creating a list serve could be the first step.
• Clark Martin - A transportation workforce development web site with training index could be a real possibility.

Ideas Generated During the Work Force Development Discussion, Nov. 20, 2003

• Roads Scholars link to state DOT certification
• Opportunities in the SAFE-TEA "Safe Routes to School"-$70 M.
• Needs in State DOT's possibly served by LTAP (ASSHTO Guides)
  • Operations
  • Preventative maintenance
  • Pedestrian safety
  • Quality control
• Soft Skills" needed for Public Works managers - the 12 core competencies
  • Technical leadership
  • Negotiations
  • Finance
  • GASB
  • Information Technology
• Negotiate lower prices-by using our critical mass
• LTAP can provide BOTH technical and management training
• Essentially an MBA for public agencies
• "Public Works Institutes" at State level. A notch below degree/certification possibly model after "Roads Scholar"
  • A Technical track
  • A Management track
• Look for additional sources for supporting local training
  • TRB
  • FHWA
  • Private and Industry
• Tap into the pipeline of technology from TRB
• Growing role of the private sector: are they engaged in defining training needs?
• Specialized soft skills training for local agency personnel
  • Customer Service
  • Working with councils/elected officials
• Vendors as source of training
• "Professional Development Hours" as a big incentive to contractor participation
• "Raise the River"-we all benefit when we increase the training base

  Need	Customer Expectation
  Continuing	Lower Cost
  New	Just-In-Time
  Broader	Job Specific

• Place to share info: job specific
  • The transportation community could use an "Index" of what training is out there
  • Know where to get it -possibly a Clearinghouse
• Identify necessary skill sets in common jobs

1:00 pm - FHWA Office of Safety (George Ostensen, Beth Alicandri, Leslie Wright, Chimai Ngo): The Senate version of TEA 21 Reauthorization is being called SAFE-TEA. Significant focus will be on safety - and within that, a focus on local system safety. LTAP can have a big role in this effort. EC members asked if the Office of Safety would be interested in considering funding Safety Circuit Riders? Or a pilot program to demonstrate the idea? EC members would prepare some specifics for the Office's consideration. The transportation system has reached the point where we cannot simply engineer out way out of the problem. It will take engineering, enforcement, and the decision makers - an interdisciplinary approach. Office of Safety is looking to repackage 3 safety related guidebooks for local use. They are currently working with the Washington DOT on preparing some publications related to "Implementing Local Agency Safety Management." EC members encouraged the Office to take advantage of our national LTAP gatherings, for review, brainstorming, etc. EC members noted that the enforcement community has not previously been our audience. But they could be. Office of Safety noted that everyone would need to pool resources in order to make any headway on the issue of safety. Suggested that we look into holding Safety Summits. Joe Toole suggested that LTAP centers would be the prefect vehicle to organize and facilitate these statewide summits. Joe Toole suggested that if Office of Safety developed program, LTAP could implement it. Recommended a specific to-do list. EC members raised other issues: where does Safety fit in the Road Scholar programs? Safety Master? Where does Risk Management fit in? Centers that have done safety sessions for non-traditional audiences have found them very well received.

2:00 - FHWA Office of Infrastructure and Asset Management (Jim Sorensen): Mr. Sorensen gave an overview of FHWA's Asset Management initiative. This Office is rolling out a specifications web site, and generating interest in preservation activities. The have posted a Contract Maintenance Guide on their web site. A number of courses are due out in spring. They will work through the Clearinghouse to arrange distribution.

3:00 - AASHTO Technology Implementation Group (Ken Kobetsky, Mujeeb Basha, Jeremy Fissell): This Group would consider an NLTAPA representative as part of the TIG - 4 meetings per year, 2 at conferences, 2 at other times. This would be a unique opportunity for LTAP centers as a whole to have an influence on the choices AASHTO makes for implementation focus. AASHTO will have a new guide on ADA coming out soon.

4:00 - NLTAPA Business: The EC discussed the proposed NLTAPA workplan and Budget for 2004. Input was provided; modifications will continue to be made. The EC worked up an agenda for the TRB NLTAPA meeting. The EC decided to hold a spring meeting during the first two weeks of May, if possible in New Mexico in conjunction with the organizing committee of the 2004 Summer Meeting. Ron Hall will check into logistics.

Friday, Nov. 21

8:00 A.M. - EC Visit to Turner Fairbank Highway Research Center (Dennis Judycki, Joe Conway, Toni Wilbur, Paul Teng, Jack Jernigan, Michael Trentacoste, Mike Dimaiuta): They have gone through performance measures development and would be glad to discuss it with the SPC. Their 2002 Performance Report is post on their web site. Their focus is implementation of the 29 market ready technologies and the packaging of those technologies. Their facilitation plan is on their web site. A Center Line Rumble Strip report will be ready for distribution soon. They would like to demonstrate the Quick Zone software at the National LTAP Summer meeting. Lab tours took the EC through:

• Human Centered System Lab, where Intersection Crash Avoidance and Pavement Marking research was in process
• Photometric & Visibility Lab, Traffic Sign Retroreflectivity testing
• Traffic Research Lab, QuickZone demo, Intersection Collision Avoidance System video, Winter Weather Maintenance Decision Support System.

Mike Dimaiuta gave an overview presentation of the IHSDM (Interactive Highway Safety Design Model). Training in the use of this software has geared up during the past 6 months through NHI. Software is available via their website - 1000 downloads so far. Mike may be available to present this model at the National LTAP Summer meeting.

11:30 A.M. Adjourned

November 4, 2003

2:30 pm Eastern

• Executive Committee Members participating in the call: Jim Burati, Mike Blankenship, Terry McNinch, J.W. Chism, Lisa Harris, Frank Peloubet, Linda Pitstick (Clearinghouse Liaison)
• Others participating in the call: Tony Giancola (NACE), Cortney Riese (APWA LTAP Clearinghouse)
• Executive Committee Members not participating in the call: Costas Papacostas, Chris Ahmadjian, Ron Hall, Bruce Drewes

Minutes

1. NLTAPA Meetings in D.C. November 19, 20, 21, 2003: The schedule for the meetings in D.C. was finalized. (Separate document) Dave Grouchy will attend in place of J.W. Chism. Maria Ardila-Coulson will attend in place of Costas Papacostas. Gib Peaslee will attend and lead a session on the Product Showcase.
2. NLTAPA Winter Meeting at TRB: January 11, 2004 - Executive Committee Meeting 10:00 am - Noon; General Meeting 1:00 pm - 4:30. The general meeting will be included as part of the TRB schedule. An agenda will be prepared after the November meetings in D.C.
3. Executive Committee Conference Call Schedule: In order to accommodate individual center activities and academic teaching schedules over the next few months, a new schedule for the conference calls will be prepared over the next week.

Call was completed at 3:25 pm.

Respectfully submitted, Terry McNinch, Michigan LTAP

October 7, 2003

2:00 pm Eastern

• Executive Committee Members participating in the call: Jim Burati, Mike Blankenship, Chris Ahmadjian, Terry McNinch, Bruce Drewes, J.W. Chism, Ron Hall, Lisa Harris, Frank Peloubet, Duane Smith (Treasurer), Al Alonzi, (FHWA) Tony Giancola (NACE)
• Not participating in the call: Linda Pitstick (Clearinghouse Liaison), Costas Papacostas
• Additional Participants: None

Minutes

• Conference Call Start Time: Calls for November and December will start at 2:30 pm. The November call is scheduled for Tuesday, November 4, 2003
• November D.C. Meeting November 19, 20, 21, 2003: Discussion took place about what the goal of the Workforce Development Meeting should be and what role LTAP should play with these other organizations. This meeting is intended to bring the players together, identify what it is we are all trying to do, gain an understanding of where we can work together, eliminate duplication of effort and strengthen the workforce development issue at the national level. Due to scheduling conflicts, J.W. Chism may be sending a substitute.
  Schedule:
  • Nov. 19, Wednesday AM, at NHI - Executive Committee Meeting - agenda will be developed over the next few weeks.
  • Nov. 19, Wednesday PM, at NHI - Partnering Committee--ATSSA ARTBA Everyone else--FHWA Office of Safety
  • Nov. 20, Thursday into the afternoon, at NHI - Workforce Development Meeting
  • AASHTO, ITE, ARTBA, AGC, NACE, ASCE, APWA, ATSSA, NICET, NTTD and the Eno Foundation
  • Nov. 20, Thursday PM, at NHI - Executive Committee Meeting
  • Nov. 21, Friday AM, Turner Fairbank
  • Friday PM, Congressional Visits (on your own) DC visit continued, Duane Smith will send Al Alonzi copies of the National LTAP Report for distribution at the Workforce Development meeting.
• NLTAPA 2005 Summer Meeting: Iowa LTAP is recommending Dubuque, IA as the site of the meeting.
• Treasurer participation at all meetings and conference calls: Issue had been raised as to whether the treasurer, a position that is now held within the NLTAPA membership rather then by a member of the Executive Committee, needed to participate in all meetings and conference calls of the Executive Committee. Discussion ensued. Questions were raised regarding the additional cost incurred by FHWA when they cover expenses for Executive Committee meetings--including thetreasurer position increases that cost. Conference call costs incurred by NLTAPA are increased. Concern was raised that treasurer involvement in all meetings and calls in effect gives the treasurer's region two voices in the discussion even though the treasurer position currently does not have a vote on the committee. Everyone was in agreement that continual communication between the Executive Committee and the treasurer, as is currently taking place, was a good thing and would not be harmed if the treasurer was invited to participate on a case by case basis. Ron Hall moved that: "The treasurer will attend Executive Committee Meetings and conference calls on a case by case basis, and that the president will provide the invitation." Seconded by J.W. Chism. The motion passed by a majority of those regions present in the call.
• Clearinghouse participation at all meetings and conference calls: Mike Blankenship was questioned by a center why the Clearinghouse staff is not involved in Executive Committee meetings and conference calls. Discussion ensued. Those in support argued that the Clearinghouse works hand-in-hand with FHWA and the LTAP Centers to help improve the program. Their closer involvement with the Executive Committee could help the Clearinghouse and the Executive Committee improve their operations, thereby improving the LTAP program. Those in disagreement questioned the Clearinghouse staff's role within the Executive Committee beyond specific tasks and how this effects the Clearinghouse Advisory Committee liaison position that currently exists on the Executive Committee Lisa Harris moved that: "Clearinghouse staff will be invited to attend all meetings and conference calls of the NLTAPA Executive Committee." Seconded by J.W. Chism. The motion passed by a majority of those regions present in the call.
• Other participants on the conference calls: This issue was tabled.
• NLTAPA web site: Terry McNinch indicated that the server where the LTAP.org has been housed will be decommissioned and the web site will close down as of Friday, Oct. 10. Mike Blankenship will call Patsy Anderson about this issue.

Call was completed at 3:43 pm.

Respectfully submitted, Terry McNinch, Michigan LTAP

September 16, 2003

2:00 pm Eastern

Executive Committee Members participating in the call: Terry McNinch, Jim Burati, Mike Blankenship, Linda Pitstick (Clearinghouse Liaison), Frank Peloubet, Costas Papacostas, Bruce Drewes, Chris Ahmadjian, Dave Grouchy, Lisa Harris, & Duane Smith (Treasurer)

Not participating in the call: Ron Hall

Additional Participants: Al Alonzi, Tony Giancola, Patsy Anderson, Lisa Pogue

1. NLTAPA Web Site: Patsy Anderson and Lisa Pogue. The Web Site Committee has requested some items for inclusion on the web site: a) mission statement; b) E.C. Member's bio's; c) committee rosters; d) constitution (Jim B. is still revising); e) treasurer's report (Duane S. will provide); f) introductory paragraph for finances (Dave G. will provide); g) Meeting Minutes. E.C. needs to provide a clearer definition of committees, special committees, task forces, etc.
2. November D.C. Meeting: Suggested Activities: a) Turner Fairbank - half day - Priority Market-Ready Technologies & Innovations, plus some additional items; b) Workforce Development Roundtable - half day - Clark Martin will help organize; c) ATSSA & ARTBA partnership discussions - half day; d) NLTAPA Business - 3 half days (would include session with FHWA Safety).
3. ARTBA Opportunities: Mike B. gave a recap of the Research and Education meeting at the ARTBA Conference. He will provide a list of possible partnership topics to the Partnering Committee for review. One possibility is the OHSA Transportation Construction Training that could be hosted by LTAP / TTAP centers.
4. Strategic Plan: There were 16 responses as of Monday morning. 12 other centers have logged in. Mike B. will send a message encouraging centers to respond in any way they choose by next Monday. Al A. is preparing a paper for the Update committee to use as a resource.
5. Regional Representation Concerns: Some known issues were raised: a) Lack of voting representation on E.C. for larger regions; b) Difficulty in hosting national meeting for smaller regions; c) Minimal opportunity to serve on E.C. for larger regions. A Task Force will be formed to define the issues and make some recommendations. Patsy Anderson will be the Chair and volunteers will be requested to participate.
6. TRB Schedule: Sunday, January 11: Executive Committee Meeting - before lunch; NLTAPA Business Meeting - 1:00 to 5:00 pm; Mike B. will contact TRB staff about listing our meeting in the TRB schedule.
7. NLTAPA Work Plan: Lisa H. presented an overview of a work plan/budget and how it could work within the national meeting structure. The E.C. suggested some changes to better work with the budgeting process for Centers. Lisa will chair a task force on this effort with Mike Blankenship, Bill Pogash, Ben Colucci and Patsy Anderson as members. Patsy will help ensure this effort meshes with FHWA's strategic planning update for LTAP (she is participating in that effort as well).
8. APWA Partnering Agreement Renewal: Lisa H. asked Ann Daniels, APWA, about renewing the agreement at our TRB meeting. The E.C. needs to review the latest activities list related to the APWA agreement.
9. Treasurer at all meetings and conference calls: This item was briefly discussed and was tabled until the next call.

Call was completed at 3:48 pm.

Respectfully submitted, Terry McNinch, Michigan LTAP

August 5, 2003

Participating in the call: Bruce Drewes, Duane Smith, Costas Papacostas, Terry McNinch, Jim Burati, Lisa Harris, Mike Blankenship, Al Alonzi

Not participating in the call: Dan Sunde, Ron Hall, Dave Grouchy, Chris Ahmadjian, Frank Peloubet

1. Dues Increase Review: Concerns were raised about dues being used for lobbying. This should be clarified. The membership would like to see a work plan along with the budget. We should try to identify what activities are program activities (LTAP Summary publication) and which are association activities. These activity types could be funded differently. A committee will be formed to develop the work plan. Mike and Lisa will begin contacting centers to better understand their positions.
2. Fall Meeting in DC: Mike suggested that a "Workforce Development Summit" take place with our partners and possible partners. Al will discuss with Clark Martin, FHWA. Possible visit to Turner Fairbank - Joe Conway. Terry will contact Joe concerning tour topics.
3. Other business: We need to address the APWA agreement renewal. We need to develop a process for endorsing initiatives. We need to discuss the NLTAPA regional structure.

Call was completed at 2:56 pm.

Respectfully submitted, Terry McNinch, Michigan LTAP

July 27, 2003

Honolulu, Hawaii
1:00 - 2:00 PM

Participants: Ron Hall, Bruce Drewes, Duane Smith, Frank Peloubet, Costas Papacostas, Terry McNinch, Gib Peaslee, Walt Slocomb, Nina Barker, Lisa Harris, Bill Evans, Tony Giancola, Joe Toole, Janet Degner, Jim Smith, Bernie Alkire, Ilene Payne (FHWA), Dave Grouchy, Mike Blankenship

1. Fall Executive Committee meeting in D.C.: Tentatively set for November 19-21
2. Monthly conference calls: Changed to first Tuesday of each month, 2:00 PM EST. Next conference call will be on August 5, with major agenda item to be the Fall Executive Committee meeting in D.C. (Note, see below)
3. Association Business Meeting Agenda: Finalized today's agenda.
4. Morning meetings during Hawaii National Meeting: Will meet over breakfast at 7:00 AM Wednesday and 7:30 AM Thursday.
5. Treasurer's Report: Duane distributed the treasurer's report, which showed that all but one Center paid their 2002-2003 dues. That Center will pay their dues this week during the National Meeting. Terry moved, Bruce seconded, that the treasurer prepare and distribute a quarterly financial report to the Executive Committee. Motion was unanimously approved.
6. Ron announced the results of the officer elections: Mike Blankenship, President, Terry McNinch, Secretary, and Duane Smith, Treasurer.

Note: Conference Call Details: Terry McNinch will take over responsibility for arranging the conference call. The call will be run through the conference call bridge at Michigan Tech University. Cost: There is a onetime charge of $25 for each conference call. The 800 access charges are 18 cents per minute for calls originating from outside of Michigan (Interstate).

Respectfully submitted, Terry McNinch, Michigan LTAP

NLTAPA Executive Committee / LTAP Clearinghouse Advisory Committee Joint Meeting

11:00 - Noon

Participants: Dave Grouchy, Ron Hall, Cortney Riese, Lisa Pogue, Barbara Turner, Nina Barker, Lisa Harris, Walt Slocomb, Mark Sandifer, Dan Sunde, Bill Evans, Al Alonzi, Keri Shoemaker, Frank Peloubet, Costas Papacostas, Duane Smith, Juli Kobayashi, Bruce Drewes, Linda McCormack, Tony Giancola, Donna Shea, Kathy DesRoches, Mike Blankenship, Jim Self, Martha Horseman

Who We Are and What We Do: Dave and Ron briefed the group on our duties and wishes to work closer for the benefit of our customers.

NLTAPA Web Site: The NLTAPA Web Site Sub-committee, chaired by Patsy Anderson, is developing a template for the Executive Committee to review and provide information for posting on the site. The Executive Committee will discuss this during our next monthly conference call, and then forward information to Lisa Pogue.

LTAP Alumni Group: There currently is no utilization of the retired LTAP expertise, particularly at our national meeting. These retired people could possibly be used to mentor new LTAP personnel, and used as a training resource. Lisa asked for help from the Association in additions to the Expertise List, which could include retired personnel.

New Business: Discussed using focus groups for particular LTAP issues. Discussed forming a Training Sub-committee to oversee development of training courses. Discussed looking into the NLTAPA Region structure.

The Executive Committee and the Clearinghouse Advisory Committee will plan on meeting jointly at least once a year.

Respectfully submitted, Terry McNinch, Michigan LTAP

June 12-13, 2003

NLTAPA Executive Committee Meeting, Washington, D.C.

Thursday, June 12

8:30 AM at AASHTO

Attending: Ron Hall, Jim Burati, Frank Peloubet, Terry McNinch, Duane Smith, Dave Grouchy, Bruce Drewes, Mike Blankenship, AASHTO: John Horsley, Mujeeb Basha, Tate Jackson, Erin Grady

Tate Jackson, AASHTO's National TRAC Manager - Gave overview of TRAC Program, which includes hands-on educational activities with a civil/transportation slant, and civil engineers who visit the secondary schools, to expose students to civil engineering careers. Discussed possibility of using TRAC materials/activities in LTAP workshops.

John Horsley verified that AASHTO is pushing for a doubling in LTAP's funding in the reauthorization language. John mentioned that LTAP should try to attend relevant AASHTO subcommittee meetings and other AASHTO meetings (with AASHTO extending formal invitations to LTAP for these meetings), and Mujeeb will forward a schedule of meetings to the Executive Committee. Erin Grady discussed new AASHTO publications. Mujeeb said that AASHTO could not attend the National LTAP meeting this year due to travel issues. We will update our partnership agreement with AASHTO and plan on signing this at the AASHTO meeting in Minnesota September 9 -11. TIG (Technology Implementation Group) Coordination Workshop at the Minnesota meeting should have LTAP participation.

10:15 AM at NACE

Cheri Marti joined us at NACE. Tony Giancola briefed the group on current SAFETEA language, which includes a slight increase for NHI, LTAP, and the Eisenhower student program. The good news is that the House and Senate versions of the new highway bill are significantly higher in funding levels than the Administration's version. The reauthorization bill may be delayed, leading to extensions of the existing bill. Senators Inhoffe (OK) and Jeffords (VT) and House members Oberstar (MN), Young (Alaska), Rahall (WV), and Petri (Wisconsin) need to be constantly reminded of LTAP and our partners' requests for increased LTAP funding. Bob Fogle, NACO's legislative associate, said that we need a key legislator on these committees to take the LTAP funding issue as a pet project to make sure it happens, particularly in the House, and we need to do this NOW! On the Senate side, the member doesn't necessarily need to be on the Committee. Bob suggested that we ask our Senate staff to send a letter to the Committee (Environment and Public Works) asking them to fund LTAP at the levels proposed by our partners. Bob also offered to follow up with any Congressional staff personnel that we contact. Cheri briefed the group on her activities in D.C. with the Minnesota Transportation Alliance flyin, which included meetings with Senators, Representatives, and their staff personnel and hosting a Congressional breakfast.

Tony asked for our input on the NACE breakout session at the Hawaii meeting. He will focus on advocacy issues. He showed the Oklahoma County Commissioners Association "On Again, Off Again: A Guide to Mounting and Dismounting Heavy Equipment" video and will examine alternative distribution methods. Tony invited everyone to the 2004 NACE Conference in Orlando, Florida. Tony mentioned that LTAP membership in NACE has yet to be processed through FHWA. Tony briefed the group on upcoming County Road Coordinator Regional Meetings.

1:45 PM at NHI

FHWA: Al Alonzi, Bill Evans, Roger Dean, Jon Schans, Lisa Harris joined the group at NHI.

Slate of officers for 2003/2004 was generated. Bruce nominated Mike Blankenship for Chair, seconded by Terry. Committee voted unanimously for Mike. Frank nominated Terry McNinch for Secretary, seconded by Bruce. Committee voted unanimously for Terry. Mike nominated Duane Smith for Treasurer, seconded by Frank. Committee voted unanimously for Duane. Ballots will be emailed to the Centers at least 4 weeks prior to the National Meeting. In order to allow continuity in the treasurer's position, the NLTAPA Constitution will need to be amended to allow someone other than an Executive Committee member to fill this position.

The group discussed the nominees for the Ray Griffith Award and selected a worthy candidate. Past winners include Ray Griffith, John Hibbs, Nelson Evans, Anna Bennett, and George Shrieves.

The NLTAPA budget was discussed. Travel to the Executive Committee spring meeting should be paid from the Association's funds, as well as travel to our partners' meetings and other national meetings, such as TRB A5012 Subcommittee, APWA, NACE, AASHTO's spring, annual, TIG, and SCOR meetings, ARTBA, and Salt Institute. Al said we should make an effort to get our TRB LTAP Business Meeting listed in the TRB schedule. Duane will distribute NACE monthly reports to the Executive Committee which describe Tony Giancola's advocacy efforts on behalf of LTAP. The Committee discussed the merits of producing the LTAP Annual Report every year or on a less frequent basis, which will probably depend on the timing of the SAFETEA Reauthorization. Terry moved for approval of the proposed budget, seconded by Frank. Proposal was unanimously approved. The budget included the following:

Meeting adjourned at 5:00 PM.

Friday, June 13

8:00 AM at NHI

Duane gave a brief discussion of Iowa's "Handbook of Simplified Traffic Studies" and asked the Committee to provide him feedback on how useful this might be on a national level.

Jim presented proposed Constitutional amendments and a lengthy discussion took place. Bruce moved to approve the Constitutional amendments as proposed by the Constitutional subcommittee, seconded by Jim. The motion passed unanimously. The group also discussed looking at the number of Centers in each Region, which should probably be part of the strategic plan update.

Joe Toole addressed the Committee and challenged us to determine what we think a successful LTAP program is and to incorporate this into our strategic plan. He also mentioned that the administration's SAFETEA reauthorization language lumped NHI, LTAP, and the Eisenhower program due to OMB wanting fewer line items in the budget. Joe offered to have a significant discussion with the Committee on ways that FHWA can help NLTAPA reach its goals, possibly meeting at the National Meeting in Hawaii. Joe said that ARTBA has really helped the University Transportation Centers in the past 6 months, and we should consider pursuing a partnership with ARTBA.

The Committee briefly discussed SAFETEA reauthorization. Al distributed Senate draft language that shows LTAP as a separate item, similar to TEA21 language. Terry discussed the need to push along our reauthorization efforts, including asking our locals to send support letters to Congress and contacting key congressional members. Terry also asked that Centers that have met with congressional members should inform Bob Fogle, who offered to follow up with those members.

The Committee continued discussion of a dues increase to fund the proposed budget. Frank moved that we propose a dues increase from $150 to $1000, seconded by Bruce. The motion passed unanimously.

Discussed the host location for the 2005 LTAP National Meeting. Region 7, South Dakota LTAP, and Pennsylvania LTAP have expressed interest. Dave moved that we accept Region 7's proposal to host the 2005 meeting, seconded by Bruce. Motion was passed.

Discussed the update of the strategic plan. Al gave FHWA's perspective of the update, which includes focusing in on specific items, with performance measures that show the impact of the program. FHWA's goal is to unveil this updated plan at the 2004 TRB meeting. Strategic Plan Update Committee consists of Dave Frey (Northwest TTAP), Renee Cusson (Colorado LTAP), Patsy Anderson (Kentucky LTAP), Ron Hall (Colorado TTAP), Terry McNinch (Michigan LTAP), Mike Blankenship (West Virginia LTAP). A facilitator and performance measures expert will also be involved. This committee will meet August 19-20 in Lakewood, Colorado.

The tentative agenda for the NLTAPA Business Meeting in Hawaii was generated as follows:

• Sunday, July 27
  • 9 AM - 11 Clearinghouse Advisory Committee Meeting
  • 11 - Noon Clearinghouse/Executive Committee Meeting
  • 1 - 2 PM Executive Committee
  • 2 - 4 PM Business Meeting
    1. Opening Remarks and Roll Call
    2. FHWA
    3. Report Results of Constitutional Amendments Vote
    4. Review Proposed Dues Increase and Budget
    5. Report on Officer Elections
    6. Review Strategic Plan Update and Performance Measures
• Thursday, July 31
  • 8:30 - 11 AM Business Meeting
    1. Roll Call
    2. Vote on Dues Increase
    3. Treasurer's Report
    4. Advisory Committee on Partnering
    5. Reauthorization
    6. Product Demonstration Showcase Program (Gib Peaslee)
    7. Welcome New Committee Members/Thank You to Outgoing Members

Meeting adjourned at 12:10 PM.

June 6, 2003

Executive Committee Monthly Teleconference 3:30 PM EST

1. Attending: Ron Hall, Walt Slocomb, Jim Burati, Bruce Drewes, Frank Peloubet, Terry McNinch, Costas Papacostas, Mike Blankenship. Absent: Lisa Harris, Dave Grouchy, Duane Smith.
2. Discussed the agenda for the Executive Committee meeting June 12-13 in Washington, DC, which follows:
   • Thursday, June 12
     • 8:30 Arrive at AASHTO
     • 8:30 - 9:30 John Horsley and Tony Kane (partnering agreement update)
     • 9:30 - 10:00 Tate Jackson - TRAC, Aaron Brady - Publications, Reauthorization
       Discussed what we want in the partnering update, such as including LTAP in relevant committees. AASHTO will invite LTAP to their September meeting in Minnesota.
     • 10:00 - 12:00 NACE (Tony Giancola has an agenda prepared)
     • 1:30 Arrive at NHI
     • 1:30 - 5:00 Executive Committee Meeting
       1. Nomination of Slate of Officers
       2. Constitutional Amendments
       3. Ray Griffith Award Selection
   • Friday, June 13
     • 8:00 Arrive at NHI
       4. NLTAPA Budget
       5. Agenda for Hawaii
          1. Joint Session with Clearinghouse Advisory Committee
       6. Reauthorization
       7. 2005 Conference Location (South Dakota and Pennsylvania have expressed interest)
       8. Update Strategic Plan - Program Evaluation/Performance Measurement - Ron briefed the group on the formation of a Strategic Plan Update Committee, which will include a couple of members who were on the original Strategic Plan Committee. Discussed ways to include the NLTAPA membership in the updating process. Ron will forward a T2ALL message on this. Asked Costas to check with planning committee on providing 15 minutes during Tuesday's opening session for NLTAPA business discussion.

Adjourned at 5:00 PM.

May 2, 2003

National Local Technical Assistance Program Association Executive Committee Monthly Conference Call

3:30 - 5:05 PM eastern time

Attending: Ron Hall, Dave Grouchy, Terry McNinch, Jim Burati, Frank Peloubet, Costas Papacostas, Tony Giancola, Jon Schans (FHWA), Mike Blankenship. Absent: Walt Slocumb, Duane Smith, Bruce Drewes, Lisa Harris

1. Executive Committee member elections for Regions 1, 5, 7, and 9 are scheduled for this year (no later than 6 weeks prior to National Meeting). These Regions will try to hold elections prior to June 12-13 Executive Committee meeting.
2. Officer nominations (ballots due out no later than 4 weeks prior to National) - will select nominees at the June 12-13 meeting.
3. Proposed Constitution revisions prepared by Jim and Walter - basically cleaned up wording, and changed title of Chairman to President. The proposed changes will be forwarded to all Centers for a vote 4 weeks prior to the National Meeting in Hawaii. Discussed Utah switching from Region 8 to Region 9, and Frank will discuss this with Doyt Boling.
4. Updating the Strategic Plan - Ron explained that FHWA plans on paying for a facilitator to help us with this process.
5. Spring Executive Committee Meeting Tentative Agenda (June 12-13, Arlington, VA) - Meet with partners Thursday AM, Nominate Officers, Constitution, Dues Increase (with budget), Strategic Plan, National Meeting agenda, Reauthorization, 2005 National Meeting location,Finish by noon Friday
6. Reauthorization Update (Ron Hall, Terry McNinch, Tony Giancola) - Centers need to keep working on sending out informational packets to Congress.
7. LTAP alumni - How do we continue to make invitations and events open to those who are retired or retiring? Could consider lower registration fees and sessions at the National Meeting to tap into their expertise. Dave will ask the Clearinghouse Advisory Committee to look into this.
8. Ray Griffith Award nominations - The Executive Committee will poll its Regional Centers for nominations, due by May 15.
9. Other Business - Frank will be in San Diego in August and can attend the APWA Conference if the Association could pay the Conference registration fee, which we authorized.
10. Adjourned at 5:05 PM eastern time.

April 4, 2003

National Local Technical Assistance Program Association Executive Committee Conference Call

Present: Ron Hall, Lisa Harris, Walter Slocomb, Larry Klepner, Patsy Anderson, Bruce Drewes, Costas Papacostas, Al Alonzi, Terry McNinch, David Grouchy

1. NLTAPA Website: Ron Hall led the discussion. Patsy Anderson moved that the Clearinghouse maintain the one LTAP web page at: www.ltapt2.org and that NLTAPA retain www.ltap.org for possible future use. Bruce Drewes seconded the motion which passed without opposition. Patsy Anderson - Volunteered to chair the Website Oversight Subcommittee. Subcommittee members are: Patsy Anderson, Chair, Lisa Harris, Kathy DesRoches, Dave Grouchy and Lisa Pogue
2. Update NLTAPA Strategic Plan: Al Alonzi said that the Strategic Plan needs to be updated. It needs to be brought more into alignment with new priorities to take care of FHWA and NLTAPA's goals. Ron and Al will work up a proposal for the revision of the Strategic Plan.
3. Spring Executive Committee Meeting: Ron Hall suggested that the Executive Committee meet on June 12 and 13 in Washington, DC. There will be opportunity to educate the congressional people. The AASHTO, NACE and ARTBA meetings will be Thursday morning and executive board meeting at 1:00 on Thursday and part of Friday.
4. Reauthorization: LTAP is not mentioned in draft bill. Al calmed everyone's anxiety and said not to worry. It's in there. Terry McNinch asked for updates of who has done what to educate congress as to the value of LTAP.
5. NLTAPA Executive Committee meetings at the National Meeting: Ron Hall and Costas Papacostas led the discussion.
   1. Sunday Meeting - Scheduled from one to four. The Clearinghouse and Executive Committee meetings will be joint and overlapping, in order to allow exchange of ideas.
   2. NLTAPA Awards - The awards ceremony will be at the luncheon on Wednesday.
   3. Thursday 9:30-11:00 agenda - Costas will need the agenda as soon as possible.
   4. Letter to DOT-based LTAP/TTAPs - The DOT based personnel are having difficulty getting to the National Meeting. Dave will get the DOT Secretary's addresses so Al Alonzi could send the letter to them.
6. Ray Griffith Award nominations: We need to get the word out to our regions - last year the awards needed to be sent in by April 30, and the EC chose a recipient at the May meeting in Vermont. Last year's form and award criteria are attached. Walter mentioned that the nominations were to be back. The deadline will be extended to May 15th. Answers will go to Ron.
7. NLTAPA guidance on newsletter articles promoting commercial vendors: The discussion was led by Walter Slocomb and Terry McNinch. Since there are no formal standards for newsletters, a friendly word of advice should be sufficient to keep commercials for private companies out of newsletters.

March 7, 2003

NLTAPA Executive Committee Conference Call

Attending: Ron Hall, Jim Burati, Dave Grouchy, Lisa Harris, Walt Slocomb, Tony Giancola, Mike Blankenship. Absent: Terry McNinch, Duane Smith, Bruce Drewes, Costas Papacostas, Frank Peloubet

Roll Call: Since a quorum was not present, no votes could be taken.

Website: Discussed merits of having 2 websites (Clearinghouse and NLTAPA). If we go to one website, we should keep the "ltap.org" domain name, paid by the Association. Dave, Lisa, and Mike will develop a motion on this issue.

Constitution Update: Dave provided proposed language for changing the name of the chairperson to president. Walt and Jim will check the by-laws for technical errors. Any action on a dues increase needs to show how that money will be used. Ron and Lisa will work with Duane on developing a budget to be used in determining the dues increase amount.

Vendors in Hawaii: Mike reported that the Hawaii hotel can accommodate 20 exhibitors in the foyer area. We will include audio-visual equipment dealers in our exhibitor invitations. Vendor information packets will go out the week of March 10. Registration fee is $1000, with $300 going to the Hawaii LTAP Center to cover costs for one person.

Spring EC Meeting: Meeting with AASHTO at the end of May doesn't work for everybody. Ron will circulate an email with possible dates to consider.

Updating the LTAP Field Manual: Walter said this is basically an FHWA manual aimed at providing an LTAP introduction to FHWA field personnel that may need updating. Ron will point this out to Al Alonzi.

Planning Calendar Update: Lisa asked for and received regional meeting dates.

Other Business: Tony related congressional education efforts, and Executive Committee members related their efforts in sending informational packets to Congress. Ron asked us to check with our regional centers to make sure they are sending information out.

Meeting adjourned at 4:50 PM eastern time.

February 7, 2003

NLTAPA Executive Committee Conference Call

Attending: Terry McNinch, Costas Papacostas, Ron Hall, Frank Peloubet, Al Alonzi, Dave Grouchy, Bruce Drewes, Lisa Harris, Walt Slocomb, Mike Blankenship. Absent: Duane Smith, Jim Burati

Partnering Guidelines: Bruce discussed the Advisory Committee on Partnerships' conference call from earlier today. The ACP will survey the Centers to determine the extent of existing local partnerships with proposed partners, use this information to determine strategies for partnering, then proceed with negotiating a partnership. It was suggested that the existing partnerships go through a similar process, making use of the partnership liaison. The ACP may add timeline information to the existing flow chart for developing partnerships. When surveying the Centers, we may want to list potential advantages of the partnership to encourage survey response. Dave said that the Geotextile Manufacturers Association is interested in providing training materials to the LTAP Centers and could be a future partner.

APWA Partnering Agreement work plan: Lisa discussed action items that she and Ann Daniels of APWA are developing. We should try to get/keep a member on their Education Committee. Lisa will get more info on committee membership. We will ask APWA committee members from LTAP Centers to update the Executive Committee during a monthly conference call. APWA has asked LTAP to promote their Snow Conference in April in Quebec City, particularly in adjacent states. We will stay away from sharing mail lists. We will ask APWA to include LTAP in its reauthorization statement. Bruce will email the Advisory Committee on Partnerships to discuss the role of the ACP in developing yearly work plans with partners. Lisa will update the draft of action items with Ann and we will review during our next conference call.

Website: Walter discussed the main difference in the two websites (Clearinghouse and NLTAPA), which is the NLTAPA site is for internal use (e.g. constitution), and the Clearinghouse site is for the world. The group discussed the pros and cons of having 2 websites, and we will try to reach consensus on whether to keep the NLTAPA site during our next conference call.

NLTAPA Congressional education push: Ron and Terry discussed the information that Terry has posted on www.ltap.org for downloading to include in Congressional education packets. Bruce mentioned that the Alaska LTAP Center can't send this information out, but Bruce will either send it to Alaska Congressional representatives or see if an Alaska local government can submit it (Alaska has a key Congressional committee chair). Terry said that the Executive Committee needs to make sure that their regional LTAP Centers get this information out. Terry moved that the Executive Committee vote yea or nay on agreeing with this education effort. Dave seconded, and the Committee voted unanimously to support this education effort. Ron will send a message to all Center directors to inform them about the educational material.

Constitutional Changes (will discuss at next meeting): a. Changing Title of Chair to President - Dave; b. Increasing Dues - Ron

Vendors at Hawaii: Mike discussed the efforts to date, including updating the vendor information package and receiving vendor information from Bruce.

Other Business

Meeting adjourned at 5:30 PM.

January 12, 2003

NLTAPA Executive Committee Meeting - 9:25 AM

Attending: Members - Terry McNinch, Juli Kobayashi (for Costas Papacostas), Jim Burati, Ron Hall, Frank Peloubet, Duane Smith, Lisa Harris, Bruce Drewes, Mike Blankenship. Others- Linda McCormack, Nate Gilbertson, Janet Degner, Tony Giancola, Bill Evans, Hank Lambert, Al Alonzi, Joe Toole. Absent: Dave Grouchy, Walt Slocomb

Discussion centered on the agenda for the afternoon NLTAPA Annual Meeting. The Partnership Advisory Committee "PAC" acronym should probably be changed to ACP (Advisory Committee on Partnerships) to avoid confusion. LTAP Reauthorization discussion will focus on "you may not have a job" if you don't get involved, and that the new Transportation Security Administration will get some of the transportation funding, making the pot even smaller than it already is. Tony stated that this is an opportunity to tap into security training funds, and we should discuss this with Tim Olivas, New Mexico Center, John Anderson, formerly with the Pennsylvania Center, and David Price, FHWA. Another important reason why we need to educate Congress on LTAP is that FHWA will need to keep their budget level or make cuts, making it difficult for them to ask for an increase in LTAP funding, so we need Congress to be our flag waver. Tony stressed that we need to get information to Senator Inhoffe, Oklahoma.

Workforce Development (WD) discussion touched on the accuracy of transportation workforce numbers and turnover, developing the LTAP vision on WD, and developing articles for publications on how LTAP meets turnover needs (with possible help from the LTAP Clearinghouse). The LTAP subcommittee on training could look into these, in addition to coordinating with FHWA, NHI, etc. on making sure new training can be used by all Centers. Tony said that Lisa Pogue has a focus group format for Rural Road issues that might be suited for the training issues.

National issues that should probably be included in our communication fact sheets and the LTAP Handbook include budgets, security, workforce development, safety, and asset management. It was suggested that Asset Management be included as a topic at our state and regional meetings/conferences. The FHWA Asset Management workshop was thought to be over the heads of locals, although Doyt Bolling's practical exercises helped. Tony suggested that we ask George Ostensen, FHWA Associate Administrator for Safety, how LTAP can help him get his safety message out to the locals.

Meeting adjourned at 11:00 AM.

January 9, 2003

NLTAPA Executive Committee Conference Call - 3:30 PM

Attending: Terry McNinch, Costas Papacostas, Jim Burati, Ron Hall, Frank Peloubet, Duane Smith, Al Alonzi, Mike Blankenship

Finalized the TRB NLTAPA Business Meeting. Ron will ask Cheri Marti to speak briefly on the Workforce Development conference. Click, Listen, and Learn session will be an APWA discussion led by Ann Daniels. LTAP Reauthorization item was added to the agenda (Mike will have an example packet to show, and Terry will discuss what he's done in Michigan).

Meeting adjourned at 4:15 PM.