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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-04-10 TAC MINUTES• • City of Englewood, Colorado ENGLEWOOD TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE Minutes of April 10, 2003 The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Transportation Advisory Committee was called to order by Chairperson Anderson at 7:02 p.m. in the Community Room at Englewood Civic Center. Members Present: David Anderson Joe Christie Gary Dounay Betty Goosman Ken Ross, Director of Public Works, ex officio Members Absent: Barbara Hodge Cinda Losee (Alternate Member) A quorum was present. Also Present: Approval of Minutes Ladd Vestry, Traffic Engineer Wendy Weiman, Transportation Analyst Linda Wilks, Recording Secretary Officer Erik Lutz Mike Flaherty, Assistant City Manager Jeff Becker, Senior Manager of Service Development, RTD Robert Rynerson, Senior Lead Service Planner Scheduler, RTD See attached sign-in sheet Following brief introductions of Committee Members and staff, Chairperson Anderson asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of March 13, 2003. There being none, a motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes as presented. Motion passed. New Business Chairperson Anderson briefly explained ETAC's role as an advisory committee to City Council. Jeff Becker and Robert Rynerson from RTD were present to speak to the ETAC group with respect to services offered, bus scheduling, etc. Mr. Rynerson noted that the metro Denver area RTD system covers more square miles than most transit systems in the United States, comparing Denver with the San Francisco municipal railway. Referring to information contained in a packet of handouts, discussion ensued with regard to the development of the metro transit system and the existing bus routes servicing Englewood, which include the 0, 12, 27, 35, 51, and U. The 35 is a newly established route, running only on weekdays along Hampden Ave. The U route, from the Englewood light rail station, services the Conifer and Pine Junction areas along Hwy. 285. Mr. Ryerson noted that, interestingly, RTD ridership is always affected by the state of the current economy . At Director Ross' inquiry, Mr. Rynerson explained that ridership and cost recovery play heavily in whether or not a route is eliminated from the system. The Skyride to and from DIA is the most cost effective route, while portions of the Rockies Ride had to be eliminated because sports fans defected when the light rail C Line opened. Likewise, for some Bronco Rides. Typically, when considered for elimination, a route ranks in the bottom 10% for cost recovery and ridership in a particular class of service. At Committee Member Dounay's inquiry, Mr. Rynerson explained that the midday 0 Limited, beginning at the Southglenn Mall, services South Broadway to the Denver Civic Center area, providing half-hourly rush hour service ; however, the midday service was eliminated due to low ridership when the light rail opened . Brief explanations were provided regard ing the AVA route for disabled passengers attending a sheltered workshop program; and the Access a Ride which provides transportation, required by the Americans with Disabilities Act, for special needs individuals, picking them up at their home and delivering them directly to their destination, whether it be work, grocery, church , doctor, or local tavern. At Committee Member Dounay's inquiry regarding RTD's five-year vision, Mr. Becker stated that RTD is restructuring services and travel programs to meet the modern day needs of the public while , at the same time, eliminating underused services. Mr. Becker explained the Call and Ride program which responds , in a defined service area, to people calling the driver on his cell phone to be picked up, or they can meet the Call and Ride van at an established pick up point to be taken to the destination of their choice within the defined area. Mr. Rynerson stated that the Call and Ride program that was proposed for the Englewood area, in lieu of the shuttle, was part of the Guide the Ride proposal that was turned down by the voters. Mr. Becker stated that the goal for the number of riders for the Englewood shuttle was approximately 8-10 people per hour. Comm ittee Member Dounay observed a balancing act wherein, on one hand , you're trying to make bus travel cost effective, but, as you begin cutting back on your schedule, you get to a point where its not convenient for some people, and therefore you lose some ridership; however, if you can get more people riding the bus, then you can provide more frequent rides and you pick up more r idership. Mr. Rynerson responded by referring to an imag inary graphic chart, stating that "the convenience of the headway (time between buses or trains) is determined by the length of the trip", i.e., people are tolerant of short waits for an elevator which is a short trip, but no one is tolerant of waiting for longer trips. He further discussed ridership as it compares to frequency of scheduling. Mr. Becker discussed the usefulness of wisely choosing from the many transfer options that exist. At Chairperson Anderson's inquiries regarding changes resulting from the recent public hearings, and also his impressions of the Englewood community meeting held at Malley Center, Mr. Rynerson noted that, after hearing citizen comments, he suggested to those in attendance that it appears there are issues between neighbors in this community other than transit issues that can only be solved by the citizens themselves, not by RTD. In answer to the community dispute over the Lincoln St/Sherman St. route change, Mr. Rynerson reported that a "successful compromise" was, in fact, reached for the riders on Lincoln St. and the residents on Sherman St. Committee Member Dounay inquired about possible actions that can be taken by ETAC Members and • other similar committees to assist RTD in achieving their visions. Mr. Becker stated that committee meetings • such as this is a good beginning, and to also advise RTD of the wishes of committee members as well as the community. Mr. Becker stated that complications have periodically arisen when RTD attempts to mesh their 2 • • transit visions with the traffic or land use comprehensive development visions of various cities. He noted that some cities, such as Englewood, do, in fact, contact RTD for input during the planning stages of some development projects. Discussion ensued. Mr. Rynerson advised that speed bumps and repetitive four-way stops along the roadways prevent good bus service because of the impact on the neighborhoods as well as the bus passengers. However, bulb outs and roundabouts are effective tactics for slowing traffic without interfering with bus services. Committee Member Dounay stated that the light rail fare changes at the Englewood Station, and he has observed passengers, who would normally walk to the Oxford Station, now driving to and parking at the Englewood Station to avoid paying the higher fare, thus increasing the overcrowded parking situations in this area. Mr. Dounay inquired if changing the cut off point would improve the parking situation at the Englewood Station, and provide opportunity for more people to walk to the station instead of driving. Mr. Rynerson responded that the line where fares change was purposely established to encourage people to use the parking that was provided for riders at the Englewood Station. Mr. Becker added that establishing fares is, conceptually, very difficult because of the perception of distortion no matter where the line is placed. Discussion ensued regarding zone fares, which would require also changing the fares of bus routes; this will be further evaluated by RTD board members in the future. Mr. Rynerson expects that Hampden Ave. will also be the dividing line for fares on the east corridor light rail, because the bus network basically changes at Hampden Ave.; also, the grid ceases to function south of Hampden Ave. where the express or limited lines are primarily utilized. Discussion ensued. Mr. Rynerson encouraged Members to attend upcoming RTD hearings in nearby communities to gather information pertaining to planned transportation projects. Additionally, local government meetings are held quarterly to discuss long range planning issues, FasTracks issues, etc. In response to Director Ross' inquiry regarding the possibility of constructing additional parking for the Englewood Station, Mr. Rynerson advised that FasTracks will provide additional parking at County Line Rd., and at Lucent Blvd. and C470. Mr. Becker suggested that increased parking facilities also increases the amount of traffic and congestion in those communities. Mr. Ross noted that the City is striving to protect the nearby businesses from overflow RTD parking. Chairperson Anderson thanked Mr. Rynerson and Mr. Becker for their presentation. Public Comment No one was present to address the Committee. Old Business Following a brief explanation, Chairperson Anderson made a motion, seconded by Committee Member Dounay, to table further discussion of the draft Strategic Plan until such time in the future that a majority vote of the Committee revives the issue. Motion passed . Director's Ch oice • The Committee reviewed their handout pertaining to the proposed Bannock St. survey planned for mailing to residents on April 14th. Director Ross noted he is scheduled to speak with City Council regarding 3 this issue on May 5th, but, to give ETAC first opportunity to review the results, Mr. Ross advised he will reschedule his presentation for May 12th. Mr. Ross reviewed the recent speed study conducted on the one- way stretch of Bannock St. from Kenyon Ave. to Oxford Ave., noting that the average speed was 27 mph and the ssth percentile speed was 30.4 mph, which verifies that most drivers are driving responsibly on this roadway. Additionally, Mr. Ross noted that traffic will increase if the roadway is changed to two-way traffic. Brief discussion ensued. • Director Ross suggested postponing discussion of the Flashing Operation of Traffic Signals policy until the meeting in May. Members concurred. • Director Ross presented an update on the City's current budget circumstances. Recognizing the steady decline in sales tax revenue, departmental budget adjustments of 5% were made mid-year 2002, saving the City about $1.8 million. Several additional cuts were made in late 2002, including a hiring freeze, elimination of the pay-for-performance program, fleet purchases pushed back until at least 2004, adjustment of public way permit fees, and transfer of some capital funds to balance the general fund. Currently, employee furloughs are being discussed. In spite of these cuts and adjustments, the City is currently $650,000 under projection . And by 2004, Mr. Ross continued, the City expects to be another $2-3 million under projection. Mr. Ross stated that layoffs may then be necessary to balance the budget in 2004, in which case a decrease in City service levels will also be necessary, i.e., streets maintenance, grounds and parks maintenance, elimination of some Safety Services and Recreation programs. Mr. Ross stated that staff has discussed possible tax initiatives for City Council's consideration to be placed on the November ballot. These types of sales tax increases will help build the general fund balance so that layoffs can be avoided and current service levels maintained. These tax initiatives include: ../ Sales tax on services such as hair cuts, vehicle maintenance services, etc. while, at the same time, lowering the sales tax on merchandise from 3.5% to 2.0%, thus balancing the revenue stream . ../ Employment Opportunity Tax, or "head tax". Businesses in the City of Englewood and people working in Englewood would pay this tax. There was concern expressed that this measure could, perhaps, cause smaller businesses to relocate out of Englewood . ../ Property tax increase. Mr. Ross stated he will prepare a memo to City Council indicating the thoughts and concerns he has received from ETAC Members. Committee Member Dounay opined that City Council should initiate a focal group of citizens to discuss these and other budget cutting options, and to also support voter passage of a proposed tax increase. Additionally, to improve the City's budget situation, Mr. Dounay suggested converting Englewood's library to a county library. Mr. Dounay stated that he will email Mr. Ross with a list of additional budget cutting options. Discussion ensued regarding the pros and cons relating to the three tax increase options. There was brief discussion regarding the sale and development of the "Old City Hall" site on Elati St. Director Ross reminded Committee Members of the Englewood Jubilee II events that will be taking place, beginning May 9th, to celebrate Englewood's 10oth birthday. A copy of the schedule of events was distributed to Members. 4 • • • • Chairperson's Choice • Chairperson Anderson inquired about the Traffic initiative presentation to City Council. Director Ross stated the presentation will be conducted this coming Monday night, 6:30 p.m., at the Cherrelyn Elementary School. • Mr. Anderson noted, that because of the discussion this evening with Mr. Rynerson and Mr. Becker, preparing a letter to RTD, as previously discussed by ETAC, may not be necessary. Mr. Ross opined that a verbal communication would be most effective. • Mr. Anderson informed Committee Members that he should soon be hearing from Committee Member Hodge regarding her possible resignation froin ETAC. Committee Members' Choice To Committee Member Goosman's inquiry, Director Ross explained that a City Council redistricting has taken place to balance Englewood's population within each district. Mr. Ross stated he will provide Members with a copy of the new Council Districts map. Adjournment Chairperson Anderson reminded Members that the next ETAC meeting will be held on Wednesday, May ih, at Clayton Elementary School, beginning at 7:00 p.m. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:58 p.m. Linda Wilks, Recording Secretary 5 ' -;-·"' r I' .._ t-'-i--f- :-/ City of Englewood ENGLEWOOD TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE NAME --, '< .. " I .'.YJ r·,:c. /J /, VISITOR SIGN-UP SHEET Regular Meeting April 10, 2003 Englewood Civic Center, Community Room ADDRESS /27 ;) (..O i) .£) J-.. I j I p '-/ h l /j (),,...., ?t/') -, . ~ ~. \ \-la_ h.c 1-fv, Coe I :,..._ ,u~ ' . '-.._J • PHONE •