RECORD OF MEETING

FREIGHT TASK FORCE

DATE/TIME/PLACE: January 24, 1994; 3 PM; CP Rail Offices, Clifton Park

ATTENDANCE: Mary Phillips (Conrail), John Newman (John T. Newman Associates), Sy Syvertsen (CEG), John Lemmerman (NYSDOT Commercial Transport Division), Dick Corp (NYSTA), Carl Belke (CP Rail), Roger Bergeron (B&M Railroad), Kristina Younger (CDTC)

DISCUSSION SUMMARY:

December Conference summary and Phase 2 Discussion - After introductions, review of conference summary materials and outline of phase 2 occurred. The basic conclusions of that discussion follows.

+ The Task Force is particularly concerned about the coordination and preparation of the overall preliminary plan. They suggest that a "core group" of 2-3 representatives from each task force be formed to provide a review body prior to such a report being produced for public consumption.

+ The Task Force is uncomfortable relying heavily on the results of the conference to determine the focus for phase two issues, and strongly suggest that more discussion about the issues occur early in phase 2. There is strong sentiment that more clarification of the issues and who should handle them should occur. The difficult wording of many questions and lack of uniform expertise explains many of the conference results. "Core group" review, as suggested above, would provide a higher comfort level with using the results of the conference. If this core group took half a day or a day to go through the conference exercise, answering more than "yes or no", -- rather outlining why the issue is difficult or hard and what the nature of the CDTC focus should be, that would be much more useful. Volunteers from the Goods Movement Task Force for participation in this core group were easily obtained.

+ The proposed schedule for Phase 2 is too ambitious. More time is needed for adequate treatment of the issues. The Task Force strongly feels that it is important to spend the necessary time to "do it right" and are willing to continue to participate for as long as that takes.

ACTION ITEMS:

* NEXT MEETINGS: Monday, February 18, 1994, 3 - 5 P.M. At the offices of the New York State Thruway Authority at Exit 23. Monday, March 28, 3 - 5 PM, place to be determined.

* Agenda to include canal cargo potential, cargo aspects of the Regional Airport System Plan, video on Urban Delivery Systems from UPS, beginning of Phase 2 discussions on investment principles.

* Highway sufficiency data should be mapped by February meeting.

* John Lemmerman to bring Intermodal Management System inventory back to the Task Force when it is closer to completion.

* Railroads would like a meeting with the Bicycle advocates to discuss overall "Rails-to-Trails" development in the Capital District. There is concern over the potential misunderstandings regarding the use of active (vs. abandoned) freight lines for recreational purposes. Kristina to follow up and set up a separate meeting.