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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-03-13 TAC MINUTES• ·• • City of Englewood, Colorado ENGLEWOOD TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE Minutes of March 13, 2003 The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Transportation Advisory Committee was called to order by Chairperson Anderson at 7:05 p.m. at the Charles Hay Elementary School Library. Members Present: David Anderson Joe Christie Betty Goosman Cinda Losee (Alternate Member) Ken Ross, Director of Public Works, ex officio Members Absent: Gary Dounay Barbara Hodge A quorum was present. Also Present: Ladd Vostry, Traffic Engineer Linda Wilks, Recording Secretary John Collins, Police Lieutenant See attached sign-in sheet Mr. Anderson briefly explained that this is the regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Transportation Advisory Committee, and is scheduled this month at Charles Hay Elementary School to provide access for citizens to visit with the Committee regarding concerns they may have pertaining to traffic and transportation issues in the City of Englewood. Additional meetings of this type are scheduled to take place at other Englewood Schools in May and in September. Approval of Minutes Chairperson Anderson asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of February 13, 2003. There being none, a motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes as presented. Motion passed. Public Comment Following introductions of Members and staff, Mr. Anderson briefly explained ETAC's role as an advisory committee to City Council. • Mr. Dooley Gehr, 3810 S. Bannock St., addressed the Committee regarding the One-Way status of Bannock St. between S.H. 285 and Oxford Ave. Mr . Gehr stated that, with stop signs posted only at Kenyon Ave. and at Oxford Ave., there is excessive vehicle speed along this roadway which causes a danger for the residents, particularly the children. Mr. Gehr suggested that returning Bannock St. to a two-way roadway may slow the traffic. Traffic Engineer Vostry stated that the most recent speed study for this stretch of Bannock, completed in 2001, indicates the 85th percentile speed is 35 to 37 mph. Director Ross noted that Bannock St. is the only remaining one-way street in Englewood. Mr. Vostry advised that an informal citizen survey was conducted 4-5 years ago at a "block" meeting, which indicated residents' preference that Bannock remain one-way. Mr. Ross stated that, if Bannock was to be returned to a two-way roadway, he would recommend that the stretch between S.H. 285 and Kenyon Ave. must remain one-way because of poor sight distance at S.H. 285 for northbound motorists on Bannock St. Discussion ensued regarding conducting a new postcard survey of residents living on Bannock St. between Kenyon Ave. and Oxford Ave. to determine residents' preference of one-way vs. two-way traffic. Mr. Ross stated that a speed study will first be conducted, when weather permits, after which he will prepare and distribute the survey to the residents along with a letter of explanation. Mr. Ross noted that, should the street become two-way, staff may determine that an adjustment in stop signs may be necessary at some intersections to prevent heavier traffic gravitation on Bannock St. Brief discussion ensued regarding possible hazards in placing three-way stops at certain intersections. Mr. Ross indicated, when the speed study results have been calculated, he will forward a copy of the survey and letter of explanation to Committee Members prior to mailing for residents' reply. Brief discussion ensued regarding placing a notice of the survey in the Englewood Herald. Mr. Gehr inquired about a metal sign pole, with the sign missing, that was posted at the corner of Nassau Ave. and Bannock St. many years ago. Mr. Vostry stated he will investigate. Mr. Gehr thanked ETAC Members and staff for their consideration of his concerns. • Lieutenant Collins distributed copies of, and briefly discussed, traffic statistics comparisons for 2001, 2002, and 2003; crime analysis comparisons for January, 2002 and January, 2003; and a traffic enforcement log sheet with regard to parking near Huron St. and Lehigh Ave. Lt. Collins indicated that postal employees were observed blocking crosswalks, not residents, at Huron St. and Lehigh Ave. and have been advised to cease the practice; officers will be monitoring the location on a daily basis. A report will be made to City Council on April 14, 2003 regarding the outcome of the traffic enforcement plan that was recently put into place on a trial basis in lieu of implementation of the 25 mph speed limit. Lt. Collins briefly discussed the types of data that can be provided by their new computer system. Mr. Ross stated that the Traffic Engineering Division plans to conduct some speed studies at random locations in the near future, when weather permits. • Director Ross reported that, as a result of a request made by the principal of Charles Hay Elementary School, the City recently installed an all-way stop at Marion St. and Eastman Ave. • Alternate Member Losee inquired about the short distance placement of the school flashing lights on Dartmouth Ave. east of Downing St. for the school at Lafayette St. Traffic Engineer Vostry explained that the speed zones are established near the schools where motorists are most responsive to the flashing lights. Additionally, the lights could be missed by motorists turning a corner if the lights are installed too far in advance of the schools. Old Business There was no old business. New Business • Director Ross reviewed the City's snow removal plan that was contained in Members' packets. He stated that, typically, smaller storms are not plowed, that the sunshine and magnesium chloride/sand 2 • • • • I • mixture are sufficient for snow accumulations of under four inches; however, plowing efforts are activated for accumulations over four inches. Arterial and collector streets are plowed first, followed by streets adjacent to Swedish Hospital, then hills, stop signs, and schools throughout Englewood. As soon as the streets have dried, the sand is swept in this same order to help reduce the "metro brown cloud". Mr. Ross noted that when ice builds and remains on the shaded south side of the avenues, street crews will plow the ice onto the sunny north side of the avenue to allow melting. By following this practice, the City avoids the cost of hauling and dumping the ice. Brief discussion ensued regarding repair of damaged sidewalk, curb and gutter that occasionally occurs as a result of the City's ice removal effort. At Chairperson Anderson's request, Mr. Ross stated he will provide Members with copies of the City's policies for street sweeping, and nighttime flashing signals schedule. Mr. Ross noted that, should the need arise, the street sweeping schedule may be altered to help trim the City's budget. • Director Ross reported that the City has received notification from the Colorado Department of Transportation (COOT) that they are planning to rebuild the traffic signal at the intersection of Belleview Ave . and Clarkson St. This intersection is owned by Englewood on the northwest corner, Cherry Hills Village on the northeast corner, and Greenwood Village on both the southeast and southwest corners. Englewood maintains the traffic signal. COOT must first obtain an easement from Greenwood Village prior to obtaining a bid for this project. When the rebuild takes place, facilities will also be installed so that left turn arrows can be added at a later time should left turn arrow warrants be met; concurrence from Greenwood Village must also be obtained to install left turn arrows. Director's Choice • Director Ross reviewed a discussion that took place at last month's ETAC meeting wherein visitor James Johnson requested that the City examine the need for crosswalks at Inca St. and Englewood Parkway. Mr. Ross advised that he prepared a red-line plan and spoke with Englewood Environmental Foundation, Inc. President, Rick Kahm. Mr. Kahm stated that, prior to making a decision for installing crosswalks at Inca St. and Englewood Parkway, he will consult with the traffic engineer who conducted the overall study for the CityCente r site. Mr. Ross stated he will keep Members posted. • Traffic Engineer Vostry reported that, also as a result of a request from Mr. Johnson, pedestrian crossing signage, both northbound and southbound, has been installed near the Oxford Ave. light rail station. • Director Ross reported that the No Parking signage has been adjusted near Maddox Elementary at Lehigh Ave. and Huron St., creating a 30 foot no parking zone and substantially improving sight visibility at the intersection. • Director Ross reported that the City has signed off on Safeway's proposal for the construction of a gas pump facil ity at S.H. 285 and Logan St. at the Safeway complex. Mr. Ross stated that the City has no information regarding the schedule for construction of that facility . • Director Ross reported that, as a result of a recent accident, he received a citizen request that an all- way stop be installed at Cornell Ave. and Delaware St. Mr. Ross noted that the results of a study of that 3 intersection indicate that an all-way stop is not warranted. At Mr. Gehr's request, Mr. Ross gave a brief explanation of the term "warrants". Chairperson's Choice Regarding ETAC's discussion at last month's meeting to prepare a letter to RTD addressing concerns for reducing bus schedules, Chairperson Anderson explained that RTD's deadline for such communications had passed. Mr. Anderson plans to research other City communications to RTD and will then prepare a letter for Members' signatures. Mr . Anderson reiterated the desire to invite Englewood's RTD representative to speak with ETAC Members at a future meeting. Committee Members' Choice • At Committee Member Goosman's inquiry, Director Ross explained the City's policy regarding repair of damage to sidewalks caused by vehicles when driven over the concrete. Sidewalks are constructed with a thickness of only 4 inches, while the required driveway curbcut thickness is 6 inches. Discussion ensued. • At Committee Member Goosman's inquiry, Director Ross stated that RTD will place the Bates Light Rail Station Construction Project in their FasTracks improvement program so that it will be in line for consideration when funds become available. • At Committee Member Goosman's inquiry, Director Ross stated that the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) states that parking can be no closer than 20 feet from the crosswalk. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m. _/ . , c;x'/!J~a ) /J .11~ Linda Will<s, Recording Secretary ·. 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