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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-05-07 TAC MINUTES. , • City of Englewood, Colorado ENGLEWOOD TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE Minutes of May 7, 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 IMC at Clayton Elementary School. Members Present: David Anderson Joe Christie Gary Dounay Betty Goosman Cinda Losee (Alternate Member) Ken Ross, Director of Public Works, ex officio Members Absent: Barbara Hodge A quorum was present. Also Present: Ladd Vostry, Traffic Engineer Wendy Weiman, Transportation Analyst Linda Wilks, Recording Secretary John Collins, Police Lieutenant See attached sign-in sheet Mr. Anderson noted that the ETAC meetings are normally scheduled on the second Thursday of each month, however, there was a scheduling conflict that evening with Clayton Elementary School, therefore the • meeting was rescheduled to this evening, Wednesday. Approval of Minutes Chairperson Anderson asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of April 10, 2003. Discussion ensued. Committee Member Dounay requested that the minutes refer to a memorandum dated April 14, 2003, from Director Ross to City Council, which further details Committee's input pertaining to the state of the City 's budget circumstances and possible tax initiatives that are being considered. A motion was then made and seconded to approve the minutes as amended. Motion passed. Public Comment Chairperson Anderson briefly explained that the Englewood Transportation Advisory Committee is an advisory committee to City Council. Brief introductions were made. Mr. Anderson noted that the ETAC meeting is scheduled this month at Clayton 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. Mr. Thomas Sanders addressed the Committee regarding his safety concerns resulting from the increased traffic volume and, particularly, the increased traffic speed on University Blvd. north of Hampden Ave., and the dangers for motorists turning onto University Blvd. from the side streets. Mr. Sanders opined • that the increase in volume has probably been caused by the T-Rex project on I-25. It was noted that this stretch of University Blvd. runs through several jurisdictions, Englewood, Denver, Arapahoe County, and the State of Colorado at Hwy. 285. Lt. Collins advised he will have his officers patrol this stretch of University Blvd. more frequently, and, additionally, will put officers in contact with him, personally, regarding his concerns. Brief discussion ensued regarding pedestrian and bicycling traffic in this area. Director Ross • reported that a federal grant is funding construction of sidewalk, later this summer, on the west side of University Blvd. from Hwy. 285 north to Dartmouth. It was noted that northbound traffic turning left into the seminary, north of Hampden, during rush hour causes a very hazardous condition because there is no left turn lane at that location and traffic backs up for a considerable distance. Mr. Steve Wood spoke to the Committee regarding a high volume of construction traffic, and the resulting noise, that travels between Santa Fe Dr. and Broadway on Oxford Ave. seven days a week,. Increased general traffic and speed were also noted. Director Ross acknowledged the speed problem that is exacerbated by this extra wide roadway, and added that traffic calming devices have been discussed, in the past, for this stretch of Oxford Ave., however, the City's budget situation has prevented further consideration. With regard to truck traffic on this roadway, Mr. Ross stated that he will mail a copy of the traffic study to Mr. Wood that was conducted in 1999, and will conduct a new study for this area as a comparison for any increase in truck traffic that may have occurred since that time. Traffic Engineer Vestry noted that the limited number of entrances into Englewood from Santa Fe Dr. increases construction and vehicle traffic through town via the minor arterial neighborhood streets such as Oxford and Dartmouth Avenues. Additionally, Mr. Vestry commented that the recently installed left turn signal at Oxford Ave. and Broadway has created additional traffic for this area. Chairperson Anderson opined that when the City's budget situation improves, ETAC Members, as liaisons for the City and citizens, will be discussing locations for installation of traffic calming devices, and determining who does and who does not want devices installed, as well as other physical ways to slow traffic or to discourage some traffic routes, or perhaps educate drivers coming off of Santa Fe Dr. that they are now in a residential community. Ms. Mandy Frye introduced herself, and expressed her concern for children and pedestrians in her community because of the recent increase in traffic volume, and particularly the higher speeds along Bates Ave. from Broadway to Logan St. She has observed drivers rolling through the stop sign on Sherman St. at Bates Ave., and squealing tires as vehicles speed up the Bates Ave. hill, to which Ms. Frye inquired about installing four-way stops along this stretch. Lt. Collins stated he will increase the patrol in this area and perhaps set up the speed trailer. Lt. Collins explained the new patrol program that was initiated recently to reduce residential speeding in lieu of reducing the residential speed to 25 mph. Director Ross opined that this approach seems to be effective in curbing residential speeding. Ms. Frye reiterated that she is concerned about the children in the neighborhood. Traffic Engineer, at the request of Alternate Member Losee, explained the variable speed board signs that will be installed in Englewood, one on Logan St. at Bates Ave., and one on Quincy Ave. at Jason Park. The signs monitor and post the speed of oncoming vehicles so that motorists will be aware of their speed. When the speed of a vehicle exceeds the posted speed limit, their speed will begin flashing. Chairperson Anderson noted, for Mr. Wood's benefit, that ETAC originally requested that one of these signs be placed on 2 • • • • Oxford Ave. at the "hill", however, because there was no location in the area for Xcel Energy to place an electrical drop, the sign location was moved to Quincy Ave . Mr. Anderson inquired about the number of four-way stops that have been placed on Bates Ave. west of Broadway. Mr. Vostry stated that four-way stops have not been placed on Bates Ave. west of Broadway, but, rather, at the request of Bishop Elementary School, were placed at Delaware St. and Eastman and at Elati St. and Eastman. Additionally, at the request of residents, the stop signs at Bates Ave. and Cherokee St. were switched from a north/south stop to an east/west stop. And, a four-way stop was installed at Bannock St. and Eastman Ave. because of the accident history at this location. Mr. Vostry stressed that warning signs, i.e. Children at Play, are not effective and, in fact, provide a false sense of security. Alternate Member Losee spoke of the benefits of Neighborhood Watch and the Block Captains' group. Old Business There was no old business. New Business There was no new business. Director's Choice • Director Ross reviewed the results of the survey conducted by staff as a result of a citizen inquiry regarding reverting Bannock St. to a two-way roadway, and also allowing parking on both the east and west sides of that street instead of only on the west side. The results indicate that a strong majority of residents living on Bannock St. between Kenyon Ave. and Oxford Ave. approve of this stretch of Bannock St. remaining one-way, and parking remaining on the west side only. Brief discussion ensued. Mr. Ross stated he will be presenting the results of this survey to City Council on May 19, 2003, and perhaps reporter Tom Munds will publish the findings in the Englewood Herald. • Director Ross briefly reviewed the City's policy regarding the scheduling of flashing traffic signals. In 1991, at City Council's request, staff began collecting data relative to traffic volumes, sight distance, and accident history at signalized intersections on the main and minor arterials, as well as data regarding residents' response to the proposed flashing signals program. A policy was then formed for City Council's approval. At Council's direction, in 1993, a pilot program was put into place beginning with five flashing nighttime signals, followed by twelve additional signals, and in 1994, one more signal was added to the system, for a total of eighteen. Since that time, some adjustments have been made to the flashing schedule, and some signals have been eliminated from the flashing system because of a change in accident history, a change in high school programs, a request from City Council, or other determining factors. There are currently 13 nighttime flashing signalized intersections. Mr. Vostry noted that one drawback of instigating a flashing signal program is that speeding is encouraged because the red traffic lights have been removed during the flashing period. The flashing periods, depending on the signal location, is from 8:00 • p.m., 9:00 p.m. or 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. Switching from red/yellow/green to the flashing system requires following MUTCD criteria. 3 • Director Ross reviewed a fact sheet, copies of which were distributed to ETAC Members, of the City's current budget outlook. Mr. Ross observed that the City's expenditures are exceeding revenues. Mr. Ross reviewed reductions that have been made thus far, and stressed that the City will continue to look for additional cuts while minimizing the affects on City services. Currently being considered is a ballot issue asking voters to approve a $5.00 Occupation Privilege Tax, or "head tax", to be paid by all citizens working in the City of Englewood, and which would be matched by employers for each of their employees, bringing approximately $2.5 million to the City. The Cities of Aurora, Greenwood Village, and Denver currently charge this tax to people working in those cities. The alternative to this tax is to lay off employees and eliminate some of the services currently provided to citizens. Mr. Ross noted that City Administration is considering asking the Board and Commission chairpeople to form a Citizens' Committee to brainstorm some ideas regarding City budget issues. Brief discussion ensued regarding the head tax. Mr. Ross stated that the $2.5 million would not be a "cure all" for the City's budget situation but would help to minimize some of the shortage . Committee Member Dounay opined that implementing a head tax will reduce the amount of sales tax even further because employees paying the head tax, and employers matching the head tax for each empioyee, would have that much less to otherwise spend on goods or services in Englewood. Mr . Ross further noted that the head tax would be a means for the approximately 22,000 individuals/day working in Englewood to contribute to the costs of some of the services that Englewood provides them, i.e., police and fire protection, and road maintenance. Mr. Dounay added that, while some businesses may elect to remain in Englewood, there are some that may move to a municipality where a head tax has not been implemented . Mr. Ross noted that other areas of possible taxation have been discussed, such as increasing property taxes , charging sales tax on food, and taxing services, however, staff does not feel these options would be appropriate or feasible . Mr. Ross added that, should the head tax not be approved by voters, City departments have been alerted that they will be required to cut their respective budgets by 10% in 2004. Mr. Dounay inquired about the hierarchy of cutting City services, stating that some services are nice to have while other services are extremely essential. Mr. Ross stated that discussions have not yet gone in that direction. • Director Ross informed Committee Members that the City is currently conducting the annual micro- surfacing program on certain Englewood streets. Mr. Ross explained that micro-surfacing is a thin layer of protective asphalt that is placed on the streets to seal the cracks and help prolong the life of the roadway structure. Approximately 90 blocks are covered with this product each year. Mr. Ross noted that, because of Englewood's success with this procedure, several other cities are now taking part in the program. Traffic can function as usual within 2-3 hours following application of this product. At Alternate Member Losee's inquiry, Mr. Ross stated he will check on double yellow line striping of Dartmouth Ave. between Lafayette St. and University Blvd. Traffic Engineer Vostry advised that the north half of this stretch of Dartmouth Ave. is in the City of Denver and stated he will contact them regarding this matter. 4 • • • • • • Chairperson's Choice • Chairperson Anderson advised that he has received several inquiries regarding funding for the entryport structure that was recently placed just south of Yale Ave. on Broadway. Director Ross explained that this project was budgeted in 2000 through the Community Development Department when the City's budget was in good shape; and, since considerable funds had already been expended for the artist on this project, staff requested that the structure be placed . Mr. Anderson added that, with the placement of the entryport, he hopes funds are available to maintain the condition of the medians through Englewood. Mr . Ross advised that the Parks and Recreation Department has had to cut back on certain maintenance programs because of budget shortfalls. • Mr. Anderson inquired about the expansion of the Garts Sports home office facility at Kenyon Ave . and Jason St. Mr. Ross stated that, in addition to purchasing and renovating the old Home Base store, Garts has now leased the old Office Depot store on that campus to provide for the new company merge and the expected 300 additional employees. Garts plans to create a campus environment on this facility, and they also would like to see the addition of some streetscapes around their store on Hampden Ave ., as well as a pedestrian bridge across Hampden Ave. connecting their facility on Jason St. with the CityCenter area and light rail station . Mr. Ross stated that the City hopes to realize some sales ta x revenue from Garts ' ex pansion, as well as monies that would result from passage of the Occupation Privilege Tax . Mr. Ross stated that the City has waived the sales and use taxes for one year on the building improvements that will be made under the Garts ex pansion. At Comm ittee Member Dounay 's inquiry, Mr. Ross stated that the City ex pects to see a "spin off" between the fees waived by the City for this expans ion and the sales revenues realized with the addition of 300 workers to the Garts home office. With regard to the pedestrian bridge, the City has only committed to attempt to seek funding for construction of the bridge, for which the City will apply to the federal government under the TIP program ; and , should that project be approved , the City would be required to fund only 20% of the construction costs. Committee Member Goosman inquired if the old Office Depot property is still under the Urban Renewal Authority. Mr. Ross stated that the City does receive property taxes from that property, however the original bond issue stipulates that sales taxes from that property be used to pay off the bond, which will culminate in 2007. Committee Members' Choice • Committee Member Dounay discussed his thoughts concerning the recently installed entryport artwork. Mr. Dounay began by stating that according to a recent report in The Englewood Herald, the "Leaves of Grass" metal artwork was erected near the intersection of Yale Ave. and Broadway at a cost of $100,000. Mr. Dou nay stated that the placement of this artwork in a median is "interesting" since the City claims to be in a financial crisis, but spent $100,000 on an item that is not related to essential City services, i.e., safety related projects, traffic calming, and sufficient staffing of paramedics. Mr. Dounay stated that, in checking the adopted budget for 2003, he found that, in spite of the fact that the entryport had been removed from the budget, funds were nevertheless expended for that project. Mr. Dounay continued that the City is 5 celebrating its centennial this month, and opined that the artwork does not represent Englewood's culture or what Englewood is about, Englewood is not about grass, the sculpture will not increase property value, and it's a waste of money when the City is facing a budget crisis. Mr. Dounay stated that the City is now proposing a head tax for voter approval, when citizens weren't given the opportunity to vote on the $15 million renovation of Civic Center, nor the $3 million for construction of the roundabout at Market Place, contributions made to the Museum of Outdoor Art which, ironically, is also provided a tremendous amount of space at Civic Center, tax incentives for Gart Brothers, medians on Broadway, etc. But, he continued, when it's convenient, the City does ask voters to approve less objectionable and less costly projects, such as the new water park at Belleview Park. Years ago, Mr. Dounay remembered, the City was operated by one paid policeman, a volunteer fire department, one city engineer, and a volunteer library operated out of the back corner of the police station; the population has not changed significantly since then, but the number of City employees has increased dramatically. Mr. Dounay opined that, to get a handle on the budget situation, the people should not vote for the head tax, but, rather, priorities should be established for ways of spending and not give the City a blanket to go out and spend more money on crazy artwork on the medians on Broadway. • Mr. Anderson advised that he has not heard further from Barbara Hodge regarding her status as a member of ETAC, and noted that he will, again, contact her. • Mr. Anderson noted, as a point of information for visitors, the ETAC meetings are held the second Thursday of each month in the Community Room at Civic Center; and the agenda is available through the City's website. Mr. Anderson invited everyone to attend a meeting or to contact Director Ross or the Safety Services Department with any concerns they may have. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:33 p.m. The next meeting will be held on June 1th at the Civic Center Community Room. Linda Wilks, Recording Secretary 6 • • • • • City of Englewood ENGLEWOOD TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE NAME VISITOR SIGN-UP SHEET Regular Meeting May 7, 2003 Clayton Elementary School IMC ADDRESS (hJ!Wl,uS ~v-ft;--5 'L,,?Cfc_f 6 r'/vyc! 11 , . ~. ·,() ~, { •'\ < -..:..:>c C:.C\C'\ 1cJ 1 4~1\o :S \:) t> \c;. v.J cvl Q., (M ,_)\ -112 .J· ~ i JC.-XA \ ~..p , /2.q CJ() s . She.v-M-~ I l \ '~p~;-Q__ \J\ "h-id. 4-)\G <:::. Ect'.t-1) Sf 1 PHONE ~ 7(yv!JtJ?o 3.:•3 7 3 I ~~ •:,S .3?3~9 '3b Z S ix?'~ 7<f7394-~)