HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-07-10 TAC MINUTES•
City of Englewood , Colorado
ENGLEWOOD TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Minutes of July 10 , 2003
The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Transportation Advisory Committee was called to order
by Chairperson Anderson at 7:00 p.m. in the City of Englewood Community Room.
Members Present: David Anderson
Joe Christie
Betty Goosman
Ken Ross, Director of Public Works , ex officio
Members Absent: Gary Dounay
Cinda Losee
A quorum was present.
Also Present: Ladd Vostry, Traffic Engineer
Linda Wilks, Recording Secretary
John Collins, Police Lieutenant
See attached sign-in sheet
Approval of Minutes
Chairperson Anderson asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of June 12 , 2003.
There being none, a motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes as presented. Motion passed.
• Public Comment
Br ief introductions of Comm ittee Members and staff were made.
Referr ing to a ne ighborhood flier (copy attached) that was distributed by citizen Bill deSimone,
Cha irperson Ande rson asked for citizens ' comments regarding traffic concerns on S. Lafayette St. between
Old Hampden Ave. and Dartmouth Ave. Mr. deSimone, 3327 S. Lafayette St., stated that his traffic concerns
include drivers not yie lding to stop signs at Floyd Ave. and Girard St., and vehicles being driven 40-80 mph
between Girard Ave. and Floyd St.
Addit ionally , Mr. deSimone presented, for the record, concerns from two citizens unable to attend the
meeting. Helen Forbes, 3383 S. Lafayette St., contacted Mr. deSimone and asked that he advise the
Comm ittee of her concern with the apartment house on the east side of Lafayette St. from which children
run back and forth across Lafayette St., and, addi ti onally, of the cars that don 't stop before proceeding out
of t he apartment comp lex at Girard St. Rebecca Kramer, 3363 S. Lafayette St., asked that Mr . deS imone
relate to the Committee that, because of drivers' high speeds and observing cars being driven over lawns
and sidewalks, she won 't let her children play in the ir front yard.
Mr. deSimone continued that he would like something done to protect the children and other
pedestrians, as well as residents from the increased traffic, high speeds and erratic driving habits through
the ir ne ighborhood. Mr. deSimone stated that he recent ly observed, from his front porch , 42 vehicles during
• a 30 m inute period , driving at various speeds . He believes the traffic is coming off of S.H. 285 at Old
Hampden and go ing north on Lafayette St. through his neighborhood rather than proceeding to Downing St.
to go north. This happens all hours of the day and night. Mr. deSimone suggested that speed bumps be
installed, similar to some areas of Littleton.
Ms. Davida Simon, 3261 S. Lafayette, spoke of pedestrian and vehicle congestion created by students •
and teachers at Charles Hay Elementary School, which is across the street from her residence. Ms. Simon
stated that posted speed limits are not obeyed, and commented that police tend to patrol near Downing St.
and Eastman Ave. or Dartmouth Ave. and Corona St. but not along Lafayette St. Stop signs at Floyd Ave.
and Lafayette St. are not obeyed. Motorcycle traffic in the neighborhood is hazardous. Ms. Simon
expressed concerns for the children, pedestrians and neighborhood pets.
Ms. Oksana Bantley, 3180 S. Lafayette St., also across the street from Charles Hay Elementary School,
has experienced broken sprinkler heads caused from drivers making U-turns, parked vehicles along the curb
blocking visibility when trying to back out of her driveway, trash left on the lawns and streets by parents and
students, and teachers parking in front of her house 10 hours at a time even when there are vacant parking
spaces in the school lot. Ms. Bantley encouraged installing speed bumps to reduce the excessive speed.
Mr. David Kurz, 3397 S. Lafayette St., thanked the Committee for hearing the concerns of this
neighborhood. Mr. Kurz agreed with others' comments regarding the high speed on Lafayette St. Mr. Kurz
stated that the stop sign at Lafayette St. and Girard Ave. is largely ignored, and opined that the sole
entrance/exit on Girard Ave. into the Kimberly Woods apartments forces the traffic into that section of the
neighborhood, and questioned why other existing entrances have been closed off. Mr. Kurz questioned why
the Julia Temple Nursing Home is not required to provide off-street parking for their employees and visitors ,
who consume the neighborhood with their on-street parking. Mr. Kurz reiterated his concern for the high •
speed of traffic on not only Lafayette St. but also on Girard Ave.
Mr. deSimone interjected that the entrances to the Kimberly Woods and the Marks Apartment
complexes were closed because of high traffic volumes and high speeds entering and exiting into the
neighborhood; the neighborhood rallied and requested they be closed.
Ms. Colleen Moore, 3200 S. Lafayette St., also agreed with the high speeds on Lafayette St., but
stressed that teachers parking in the neighborhood adjacent to Charles Hay Elementary School have
eliminated any on-street parking for the residents. Ms. Moore suggested installing four-way stops on
Lafayette St. at every intersection between Old Hampden and Dartmouth Avenues to help curb speeds.
Ms. Jennifer Kolovos, 3451 S. Lafayette St., stated that she has observed 2-3 vehicles parked in the
Julia Temple Nursing Home parking lot at the same time that all others are parked in the street. She also
spoke of the high vehicle speeds on Lafayette St., and asserted her fear that, people walking in the
evenings, or a resident of Julia Temple Nursing Home, are going to be hit by a car. U-turns over her lawn
and trash dumping are also a problem.
Ms. Bantley interjected that her street does not get swept because of the teachers' cars parked on the
street, and suggested initiating permit parking, or perhaps two-hour parking. She also spoke of the noise
created by high speed traffic.
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Ms. Marilyn Rempel, 3319 S. Lafayette St., discussed the parking problem on Lafayette St. from
Kimberly Woods apartment residents. Ms. Rempel stated she has observed drivers ignoring the stop signs
while drag racing on Friday nights on Lafayette St.
An unidentified resident stated he would like to reiterate that street sweeping is also impossible on
Girard Ave. between Lafayette St. and Marion St. because of parked cars, and added that he would like to
see no parking signs posted on certain days for street sweeping.
An unidentified resident stated she has also observed congestion, to which a day-care business on the
northeast corner of the 3200 block of S. Lafayette St., cattycorner from Charles Hay Elementary, contributes.
She noted that she has a call in to the City regarding zoning for this type of business at that location.
Ms. Debra Meller, 3311 S. Lafayette St., noted the increased traffic over the last several years, and
expressed concern for children crossing the street; she stated that a speed bump should help.
Ms. Debi Kelley, 3160 S. Lafayette St., noted the high speed of traffic.
Mr. Randy Moore, 3200 S. Lafayette St., reiterated the high speeds, congestion, and parking problems
on Lafayette St. and in the neighborhood. With regard to parking, Mr. Moore stated that the teachers'
parking lot is 314 occupied early in the morning, however a large number of teachers park along the streets
even though there are spaces in the lot. Mr. Moore offered kudos to the Englewood Police Department for
their patrolling efforts, and opined that numerous tickets could be issued daily by staking out the intersection
of Eastman Ave. and Lafayette St. Mr. Moore also suggested reducing the speed to 25 mph on Lafayette St.
between Floyd and Dartmouth Avenues, and, additionally, installing stop signs on Eastman Ave. at Lafayette
St. to reduce speeds. Mr. Moore added that residents living in the vicinity of a school must expect parking
problems in the neighborhood, but he feels the school parking lot needs to be expanded into the school
property to help ease the neighborhood parking.
One visitor disagreed that stop signs at Eastman Ave. and Lafayette St. would slow the traffic, and felt
that drivers would only glide on through.
Mr. Ken Huff, 3150 S. Lafayette St., stated his main concern had to do with high traffic speeds on
Lafayette St. from Floyd to Dartmouth Avenues and the possible dangers for people walking in the evenings
from 5-10:00 p.m. and also early morning from about 3-8:00 a.m. Mr. Huff opined that one or two more
exits from the apartment complex would spread out the heavy traffic instead of concentrating it from the
one exit at Girard Ave. and Lafayette St. Mr. Huff stated that residents would welcome any assistance the
City can provide to curb the traffic and speed problems in the neighborhood, whether it be permitted
parking, speed bumps, or a crossing light.
Mr. deSimone commented that the cost of speed bumps would be paid within a week by posting a
traffic officer at each end of Lafayette St. between Dartmouth and Hampden Avenues.
Director Ross followed up on visitors' comments received this evening. •With regard to the stop signs
at Floyd Ave. and Girard Ave., Mr. Ross stated they were installed because of several accidents that were
caused by a sight distance problem. •Mr. Ross stated that parking permits could be considered, with a
signed petition of a majority of the residents. Mr. Ross noted that not only would the patrons of the nursing
home and other businesses be affected, but friends and family of the residents would also be
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inconvenienced. Mr. Ross stated that, before initiating a parking permit program, he would like to have
Traffic Engineer Vostry meet with the staffs from the nursing home and the school and encourage them to
use their own off street parking lots because of the inconvenience to the residents. He stated that if
cooperation does not result, then City staff can look at initiating the permit parking system. +Mr. Ross
stated that every elementary school experiences potentially hazardous situations created by parents
dropping-off and picking-up their children, sometimes on the wrong side of the street. Mr. Ross stated staff
will try to address this issue. +Mr. Ross advised that trash receptacles are provided around the high school,
and will talk to our streets staff regarding providing containers at the elementary schools; however, he
stated it could possibly be more effective to speak at the School Safety Committee meeting about this
concern. +Mr. Ross stated that the previously mentioned daycare business is a zoning issue, but advised
that he will follow up should the resident not get a response from Community Development. +With regard
to speed bumps, Mr. Ross briefed the visitors on the traffic study conducted by the City in 2001. Mr. Ross
stated that, from citizen comments received at the public meetings concerning several different traffic
calming devices, the consensus was that speed bumps are the least desirable traffic calming tool. Mr. Ross
explained that when the town of Englewood was originally built, the houses were built first, followed by
construction of the roadways. When the streets were then built, one side of the street was built higher than
the other side to match the existing houses, creating a crown in the roadway that causes disproportionate
water flows in the gutters that would be disrupted by speed bumps. Additionally, speed bumps cause a
slower response time for emergency vehicles. And, speed bumps seem to project the notion to prospective
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property buyers that there is a speeding problem in the neighborhood, causing them to reconsider buying •
property in that area. +Mr. Ross pointed out that reducing residential speed limits to 25 mph would be
ineffective since drivers currently do not respect the 30 mph speed limit. Rather than changing the speed
limit to 25 mph, Mr. Ross stated that the current 30 mph speed limit needs to be obeyed and enforced.
+Similarly, if stop signs are currently not being respected, installing additional signs would also be
ineffective. Stop signs are not installed for the purpose of slowing traffic. +Mr. Ross stated he will have
staff conduct a traffic study, analyze the speed and accident data for the neighborhood, particularly Girard
Ave. and Lafayette St., then visit with the school and School Safety Committee, and the nursing home to
reach an agreement for settling some of these traffic issues. Committee Member Goosman asked that staff
also contact Kimberly Woods regarding the traffic and high speeds generated from Kimberly Woods'
residents, and children playing in the street. It was also noted that many Kimberly Woods' residents park on
the street rather than in their own garages. +With regard to street sweeping, Mr. Ross stated he will
contact his street maintenance supervisor and discuss posting signs with a sweeping schedule.
Lt. Collins thanked visitors for their attendance this evening, and presenting their concerns. Lt. Collins
explained that reorganization of the Safety Services Department and Traffic Division has resulted in a 50%
increase in the department's efforts to provide traffic enforcement. Lt. Collins stated that, prior to lowering
the speed limit to 25 mph, Safety Services asked to be given the opportunity to apply their enforcement
strategies. Lt. Collins stated that, when contacted about neighborhood traffic situations, he and his staff are
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committed to resolving those problems. Brief discussion ensued regarding recent incidents with
neighborhood firecrackers and residents' efforts to contact the Police Department. Lt. Collins provided a
telephone number, 303-762-2438, for police to be contacted for non-emergency situations .
Lt. Collins asserted that the residents along this stretch of Lafayette St. will soon observe staff
conducting a traffic study, as well as decoy patrol vehicles, and more frequent patrolling. Lt. Collins stated
that these changes should also reduce U-turns and vehicles driving over lawns as well as leaving trash on
the roadside. He stated that it would be helpful if residents, when possible, can obtain license plate
numbers of the offenders. Lt. Collins encouraged everyone to contact him when the school year begins in
August if heightened police patrolling is not observed.
Ms. Bantley observed that the sloping curbs on the residential side of Lafayette St. allow drivers to
make their U-turns and drive over lawns whereas the vertical curb would prevent this from taking place.
She also suggested that load ing/unloading zones adjacent to the schools would alleviate the all-day parking
adjacent to the residences.
Lt. Coll ins stated he ex pects to take a very aggressive approach in this neighborhood, reiterated that,
since its inception in January, 2003, this increased patrolling program has thus far, produced great results in
reducing speed and diminishing other traffic hazards.
Lt. Collins spoke briefly of the historical views of the duties of a police officer vs. today's views, and the
steps that have been taken to change the officers' views to coincide with the quality of life for residents.
In response to a visitor's inquiry, Lt. Collins spoke briefly regarding the condition of Officer Mueller, who
was recently involved in a serious on-duty accident.
Ms. Bantley asked what steps the residents can take to assist the officers in handling the concerns
expressed this evening. Traffic Engineer Vostry offered that Crime Prevention Officer Peterson sponsors a
Speed Watch Program, stating that Speed Watch signs are posted in neighborhoods with active participation.
He stated that this program is effective in residential neighborhoods where high speeds have become the
habit of regular drivers of those areas. He stressed the importance of residents, City staff and police officers
working together to solve these traffic problems .
Ms. Bantley asked about large dips with advanced warning signs that have been installed in some areas
of metro Denver that cause traffic to slow their speeds . Director Ross stated that he has observed some of
those dips, but noted that the dips in Englewood are for drainage purposes. Discussion ensued regarding
other means of slowing traffic. Ms. Bantley suggested soliciting volunteers who could assist at school
crossings for children. Lt. Collins noted that the City's budget shortfalls will most likely cause a reduction in
City staff as well as police staff.
Mr. deSimone reiterated that a lot of the speed violators are not residents of the neighborhood, but
rather individuals who use this roadway for a shortcut to and from their homes in other neighborhoods.
Responding to a v isitor's inquiry regarding the Speed Watch Program, Traffic Engineer Vostry explained
that residents taking part in the program are first trained , and then issued a stopwatch and other materials
used to measure the speed of a traveling vehicle. This information, along with the license plate number and
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a brief description of the vehicle, when provided to the Police Department, will result in a warning letter
being sent to the owner of the vehicle.
Responding to a visitor's inquiry, Lt. Collins stated he expects to have traffic officers patrolling the
neighborhood as early as Tuesday next week, and he will advise the regular patrol of this problem, as well,
and ask for their assistance. He stated he hopes to provide an update on the progress and statistics of this
plan to those listed on the visitor sign-up sheet for this meeting, or to anyone who would like to give him a
call.
Traffic Engineer Vostry elaborated that traffic studies are very helpful in pinpointing the locations and
times of day when these speeding violations occur, and officers can then respond accordingly. Mr. Vostry
indicated that he will place the counters for the study on S. Lafayette St. between Eastman and Dartmouth
Avenues, also between Eastman and Floyd, Floyd and Girard, and Girard and Hampden, since these are
areas of high speed. Girard Ave. between Lafayette and Downing Streets will also be studied. Mr. Vostry
stated the traffic study data should be complete within two weeks. Mr. Vostry noted that these types of
speed and traffic problems typically occur, for the most part, around schools, churches, parks, etc.
Ms. Bantley stated she will contact the principal of Charles Hay Elementary School and speak with her
regarding the parking concerns around that facility.
Ms. Bantley expressed her appreciation for her dealings with City of Englewood staff.
Lt. Collins distributed his business cards to those in attendance.
There was no further public comment, and a 5 minute recess was called.
Old Business
When the meeting was reconvened, it was determined that there was no Old Business.
New Business
There was no New Business.
Director's Choice
• Director Ross reported that City Council accepted the resignation of Committee Member Hodge, and
appointed Alternate Member Losee to complete Ms. Hodge's term as a regular voting member of ETAC.
• Director Ross advised that staff contracted with Felsburg, Holt and Ullevig to conduct the Oxford Ave.
traffic study, resulting from the request of Mr. Steve Woods at the May ETAC meeting. Mr. Ross stated that
this study, conducted in June, showed an increase in traffic on Oxford Ave. west of Broadway from 9,800
vehicles per day in 1999 to 10,200 vehicles per day in 2003. However, the number of trucks has gone
down, from 469 trucks per day in 1999 to 245 trucks per day in 2003. Mr. Ross explained that, in the study,
a vehicle with 3 or more axles is counted as a truck. Mr. Ross had no explanation for the drop in truck
traffic. Mr. Ross stated that, although there has been a decrease in truck traffic, the speed along this stretch
of Oxford Ave. has gone from an g5 th percentile speed of 37-39 mph in 1999, to an g5 th percentile speed of
40 mph in 2003 for both eastbound and westbound traffic. Mr. Ross stated he will summarize the results of
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this study and respond back to Mr. Woods. Traffic Engineer Vostry added that this study also showed that, •
from 1999 to 2003, there had not been an increase in the number of accidents for this location.
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• Traffic Engineer Vestry advised that the two variable speed message signs should be operational any
day now. One sign has been posted at the bottom of the Quincy Ave. "hill", westbound, and the second sign
is posted on Logan St., southbound, at Bates Ave ., and Xcel Energy has only to turn on the power. The
signs do not record the speeds, only post the speeds of approaching vehicles. The signs are currently
programmed to post the speeds of approaching vehicles and begin flashing when the speed is higher than
35 mph, and also provides the option of programming the signs to begin flashing at 31 mph, where
necessary.
• With regard to the ETAC meeting scheduled for September 11th at Bishop Elementary School, Director
Ross advised that the principal, Vicky Moore, has requested that the meeting begin at 6:30 p.m. rather than
7:00 p.m.
Chairperson's Choice
There was brief discussion regarding the attendance at this evening's meeting and the traffic issues
they discussed. Lt. Collins stated that they receive individual inquiries on a regular basis, however, this
evening is the first time he has experienced a group encounter, and he welcomed it.
Director Ross advised that, because of budget shortfalls, dinner will no longer be served to Committee
Members. He suggested that the committee forego future 6:30 p.m. study session meetings, and plan to
meet at 7:00 p.m. for the regular meeting.
Committee Members' Choice
• Committee Member Goosman, referring to a mid-block street light in the 3500 block of S. Lafayette St.,
inquired about the determination of placement of street lights . Director Ross advised that, with a budget of
$250,000 per year for street lighting, the City requests placement of street lights, for local streets, only at
each intersection. It was surmised that the mid-block street light was probably installed by Kimberly Woods
during their construction a number of years ago.
Ms. Goosman asked Director Ross to check into the increased helicopter traffic over her neighborhood,
stating that an agreement w ith Swedish Hospital had been worked out stipulating the helicopters would
follow S.H. 285 to the hospital rather than cutting over the neighborhoods. Mr. Ross stated he will look into
it.
Committee Member Christie inquired about the capabilities of the City's Geographic Information System
(GIS). Traffic Engineer Vostry stated that, currently, the traffic studies information is loaded into the
computer database, however because of the time involved to build the required GIS databases, it could be a
period of time yet before we have the capability to link the GIS mapping program with information
pertaining to traffic studies, accidents, citizen complaints, activity logs, signs, etc.
Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
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C ity of Engl ewoo d
ENGLEWOOD TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
NAME
VISITOR SIGN-UP SHEET
Regular Meeting
July 10 , 2003 , 7 :00 p .m .
Englewood Civic Center
ADDRESS PHONE
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UPCOMING MEETING .
Dear Neighbors of S. Lafayette Street:
There will be a meeting at Englewood City Center on Thursday, July
10th at 7:00 p.m. regarding traffic concerns on S. Lafayette Street between
Old Hampden and Dartmouth Avenue.
Some of the concerns are :
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Increase of traffic flow
Disregard for stop signs
Speed of traffic
Street safety for pedestrians
If you are interested in voicing your concerns the meeting will be on the
2nd floor, Community Room.
Take Hampden (285) west to Inca Street. Tum right onto Inca Street (street
right after Office Depot). On Inca take the next left to park in parking
garage. Enter the Englewood City Center from parking garage and take the
stairs to the 2nd floor. The Community Room is straight across from the
stairs.
Hope to see you there!
Bill deSimone
• 303-781-3038