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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-05-13 TAC MINUTES• • City of Englewood, Colorado ENGLEWOOD TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE Minutes of May 13, 2004 The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Transportation Advisory Committee was called to order by Chair Christie at 7:00 p.m. in the City of Englewood Community Room. Members Present: David Anderson Joe Christie Gary Dounay Betty Goosman Regi Maclaren Daryl Kinton, Alternate Member Ray Tomasso, Council Liaison Ken Ross, Director of Public Works, ex officio Members Absent: None A quorum was present. Also Present: Ladd Vostry, Traffic Engineer Approval of Minutes Wendy Weiman, Transportation Analyst Linda Wilks, Recording Secretary John Knoth, Sergeant Chair Christie asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of April 8, 2004. There being none, a motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes as presented. Motion passed. Public Comment There were no visitors in attendance. Old Business • Committee Member Dounay requested an update regarding Safety Service's Traffic Initiative. Director Ross reviewed information contained in the memorandum from Lt. John Collins, dated April 30, 2004, copies of which were included in Committee packets. Lt. Collins' memo explains that, comparing 2002 and 2003, there was a 17.07% increase in enforcement due to the Traffic Initiative. Although there has been a significant reduction in staff, the Traffic Initiative is still in place, concentrating primarily in residential areas. Sgt. Knoth elaborated that their Traffic Officers are going to be reassigned to Patrol for approximately the next four months to address staffing shortages, which will minimize the amount of time spent addressing traffic concerns. Mr. Ross noted that, in addition to officers lost to injuries, five officers from Englewood have recently been hired by the City of Aurora to meet their charter requirement that one police officer must cover each 2,000 citizens . • Committee Member Dounay requested revisiting the subject of installing 25 mph speed limits on • residential streets. Director Ross reviewed background information contained in Committee packets regarding 25 mph residential speed limits. Mr. Ross noted that this topic was discussed with City Council in 2002, at which time Council agreed with staff that reducing the speed to 25 mph will not automatically result in people driving slower. Council also considered the cost of producing speed limit signs for this program, and additional police presence that would be necessary to change people's driving habits. Mr. Ross reiterated that the Keep Kids Alive Drive 25 program initiated in the City of Golden did not produce significant changes in their citizens' driving habits. Reminding the Committee that its purpose is to deal with traffic issues as they relate to the community, and referring to Mr. Ross' survey from 2002 and previous ETAC minutes, as well as discussions with citizens and City Council members, Mr. Dounay discussed at length why he requested that this issue be revisited. Mr. Dounay reviewed several speed studies that had been distributed to Members during the last two years, depicting the 35th percentile speeds on a number of Englewood roadways. Mr. Dounay opined that many drivers are avoiding the arterials and exceeding the speed limit on collector streets, which creates hazards for bicyclists. Mr. Dounay added that the majority of drivers do not observe the advisory speed limit signs around schools and park areas. Mr. Dounay offered several scenarios to illustrate his point of excessive speed in residential neighborhoods. Mr. Dounay stated that the expectation is to drive at a safe speed, that is, if you expect drivers to drive at 25 mph, those few who drive over the speed limit are going to be driving closer to 30, most likely, which is the current speed limit, but you will have those who want to obey the speed limit and they will try to drive closer to 25, which makes everything safer and preserves the small town atmosphere of the city. Mr. Ross recalled that when this issue was initially presented to City Council in 2002, Council Member Garrett inquired that if 30 mph signs are not persuading people to drive 30 mph, why would 25 mph signs persuade people to drive 25 mph, and, further, unless the City makes the effort to enforce the 30 mph speed limit, the City should not lower the speed limit to 25 mph. Mr. Ross stated that Safety Services implemented the Traffic Initiative, on a trial basis, to address Council's concerns. Mr. Ross noted that, because of current budget constraints, lowering the speed limit to 25 mph would not be effective without funds to cover signage, installation, enforcement, etc. Mr. Dounay stated that posting signs, alone, will not cause everyone to drive 25 mph, people have to want to do it. However, Mr. Dounay continued, posting 25 mph signs will create a greater impact within the court system when a ticket is issued, as well as creating an impact with their vehicle insurance when an accident occurs at 30 mph in a 25 mph speed zone. Mr. Dounay commented that the expectation is that citizens want our city and streets to be safe, we want people to feel safe doing the things they like to do here, and its about community and Neighborhood Watch groups and getting the word out that people are driving way too fast in residential areas; and changing something gives you a reason to go out and talk to people and get them to recognize that with summer coming, and kids playing in the streets, you've got to watch what you're doing. Traffic Engineer Vostry added that neighboring jurisdictions have indicated that speed study results for their 25 mph neighborhoods show the 35th percentile speeds remain the same, however, people seem to feel they are safer in those neighborhoods. Mr. Vostry noted that speed limits for collector streets cannot be lowered to 25 mph because you must provide a circulator system in the neighborhoods. Brief discussion ensued regarding the Neighborhood Watch and Speed Pledge Programs. Mr. Ross advised that Officer Peterson, who established and administers these programs, is being reassigned because 2 • • • • of budget constraints. Mr. Ross opined that changing people's driving behaviors and attitudes will have to involve educating the public through community programs rather than posting 25 mph speed signs. Mr. Dounay opined that Committee's action should be determined by what is right for this community, satisfying the needs of the community; further, 40% of those surveyed during community meetings for the 2001 Englewood Transportation Study indicated that citizens believe speeding is an issue. ETAC, Mr. Dounay continued, has not yet addressed that issue and this is one way to try to address it. Mr. Ross commented that at a recent neighborhood City Council meeting at Cherrelyn Elementary School, for which 1,500 flyers were distributed inviting residents to communicate their concerns, the subject of traffic was not brought up as an issue by any of the 45 attendees. Vice-chair Anderson opined that posting regulatory signage would not be the answer for solving residential speeding concerns, and expressed confusion as to what type of action is being asked of this Committee. Mr. Anderson added he does not believe it is likely that ETAC will initiate and lobby for a 25 mph residential speed limit, however, he agrees with the idea that people need to slow down. Chair Christie opined that reducing the speed limit to 25 mph would not make a significant change in the speed in problem areas on collector streets such as Dartmouth, Oxford, Clarkson, Logan, etc. Mr. Vostry noted a point of interest in that Clarkson St., between Hwy. 285 and Belleview Ave., is posted with all-way stops at several intersections, but holds the same s5 th percentile speed as do many of the other collector streets. This is an indication, Mr. Vostry opined, that people are not willing to slow down. • Committee Member Maclaren suggested that, since it appears there is not sufficient evidence for ETAC • to act upon at this time, perhaps a subcommittee could gather more information for future discussion. Following considerable discussion, Chair Christie reminded Members that the adopted ETAC Rules (November 13, 2003 meeting) call for action on new material to be taken at the following month's meeting. Chair Christie proceeded to make a motion, seconded by Committee Member Dounay, to continue discussion regarding the 25 mph residential speed limit as an action item to be included on the June ETAC meeting agenda. Committee Members Dounay and Maclaren voted in favor, Committee Members Christie, Anderson, and Goosman opposed. The motion did not pass. New Business • With regard to variable speed limit traffic signals, Committee Member Dounay advised he was unable to locate any additional information other than what he presented at the April meeting. Vice-chair Anderson read a brief article he clipped from the Rocky Mountain News regarding this topic. Brief discussion ensued. Chair Christie opined that the variable speed limit traffic signal concept is an innovative tool and perhaps, in a few short years, other tools could be developed for the purpose of controlling speed. • Committee Member Dounay discussed three areas he has identified as potential accident locations. 1) Mr. Dounay opined that the configuration of the crosswalk system at the Oxford Ave. and Windermere/Navajo intersection creates a potentially hazardous condition for pedestrians. Traffic Engineer Vostry advised that statistics show that, since 1997, one pedestrian accident has occurred at this location. In this case, the pedestrian crossed against the light and was not in the crosswalk. Mr. Vostry explained 3 that, when the intersection was designed, sidewalk could not be constructed on the southeast corner of the intersection because of the retaining wall, as well as the need to provide a left turn lane for northbound traffic. Mr. Vostry agreed that the lack of sidewalk on the southeast corner creates an uncomfortable situation, and, for this reason, he is considering prohibiting parking on Navajo St. south of Oxford Ave. Pedestrians, generally, will not follow the crosswalk pattern that has been set for them to cross safely. Discussion ensued regarding various philosophies to provide safer crossing for the pedestrians in this area. Mr. Vostry reiterated that some crossing solutions may be inconvenient, even annoying, but at the same time they provide the safest path for pedestrians and the least opposition with left turning motorists. Mr. Vostry noted that this is true with the Oxford Ave. and Windermere St. intersection as well as the intersections at Hwy. 285 and Inca St. and at Hwy. 285 and Cherokee St. There was considerable discussion regarding requirements for adjusting the timing of signals as it may affect other nearby signals; the feasibility of installing pedestrian only signal phases and exclusive left turn phases; the costs that would be required to cover reworking an intersection, etc. Mr. Vostry briefly discussed the effects of eliminating double cycling the signal at Oxford Ave. and Windermere St. as a possibility for improving pedestrian safety. Mr. Vostry noted that approximately 10,000 vehicles per day travel this stretch of Oxford Ave., and approximately 8,000 vehicles per day travel through the intersection on Navajo/Windermere. Referring to the high levels of traffic at this location, Mr. Dou nay inquired about the feasibility of including a bike trail along this stretch of Oxford Ave. as well as on Windermere St. Mr. Ross explained that the section of Windermere St. north of Oxford Ave. provides a stretch of roadway with no stop signs or signals, which is attractive to bicyclists as well as motorists. Alternate Member Kinton, speaking from experience, stated that, in spite of the high traffic vo lumes, biking in this area really does work well. Transportation Anal ys t Weiman concurred. Mr. Vostry side-noted that, based on Mr. Kinton's suggestion, he has ordered the video detection devices to be installed at Oxford Ave. and Windermere St. Council Member Tomasso entered the meeting at 8:32 p.m. Mr. Vostry inquired whether or not, in light of this discussion, should staff install signage prohibiting pedestrians from crossing Oxford Ave. on the west side of Windermere/Navajo. Mr. Kinton opined that installing No Pedestrian Crossing signs would not change the behavior of pedestrians, that, because of existing signage and crosswalks, people are already aware of what is required for safe crossing. Mr. Vostry stated that people cross against the light because of the frequent gaps in traffic at this location. Mr. Vostry stated he will continue monitoring this area. To Mr. Kinton's inquiry, Mr. Vostry stated he will, once again, contact Xcel Energy regarding installing additional lighting for the area on Navajo St. just south of Oxford Ave. With regard to 2) the curve that creates the two legged intersection at Kenyon Ave. and Windermere St., Mr. Dounay described sight barriers and drivers' behavior, which create a hazardous situation when drivers fail to remain in their lane of traffic. It was noted that traffic going into, and out of, the entrance to the Garts Sports property, creating a sort of "third leg" to the intersection, adds to the unsafe condition at this location. Traffic Engineer Vostry stated that, to date, no accidents have occurred at this location, however he will request that tabbing and double yellow lines be applied to this section of roadway when the 4 • • • • striping crew is activated in the next few weeks. There was brief discussion regarding installing stop signs . With regard to Mr. Dounay's concerns pertaining to 3) pedestrians crossing Inca St. near Civic Center, Director Ross reminded Members that this stretch of Inca St., as a part of the CityCenter Englewood development, is a private street. Mr. Ross stated that he has, in the past, attempted to address traffic concerns with the manager of this development, and went so far as to suggest a more pedestrian, as well as handicap, friendly crossing plan at Englewood Parkway, but was informed that in order to do that, the development would have to hire a consultant for a liability analysis. Mr. Ross stated he believes the development manager plans to install flashing signs alerting motorists to drive the posted 20 mph speed on Inca St. Mr. Ross stated that City Council passed an ordinance giving the Police Division the authority to enforce traffic violations on this site, even though it is private property. Mr. Vostry noted that this site was designed to maximize the developable space as well as to be pedestrian friendly, that is, pedestrian crossing is not funneled into a particular crosswalk location. The site includes the roadways westof, but excluding, Elati St., and between Floyd Ave. (includes Floyd west of Elati) and Hwy. 285. Additionally, Inca St., north to Cushing Park, is private roadway. City staff snow plows, sands and sweeps the roadways on this site, and the City is reimbursed by the Englewood Environmental Foundation (the organization that manages the site) for these services. • Council Member Tomasso briefly discussed a concern expressed to him by a resident with regard to speeding on Delaware St. at Cornell Ave. The resident was satisfied with information he received from Mr. • Tomasso. • Director's Choice • Referring to a draft memorandum included in Members' packets, Director Ross advised that he was disappointed in the revised PUD submittal for the Seminary site redevelopment, in that several of his comments were not addressed. Mr. Ross stated that a meeting will be held next week to discuss staff's comments, and he will keep Members informed. • Director Ross discussed a concern expressed by Council Member Moore regarding disturbances in his alley created by strangers passing through, dogs being walked and aggravating the dogs that live along the alley, people rummaging through trash or dumping trash in the alley, speeding, using the alley to stage criminal activity, etc. Mr. Ross stated he was advised by the City Attorney that the alley could not be posted for residents' use only, because the alley is a public right-of-way, and would first have to be vacated. Staff responded to Council that a better approach might be to promote the Neighborhood Watch Program and have the neighbors discourage these types of activities by installing yard lights, communicating with their neighbors when they will be out of town, etc. Vice-chair Anderson noted his annoyance with speeders in his alley because of the resulting excessive dust. Mr. Ross commented that there are 49.5 miles of alleys in Englewood. Mr. Ross opined that the neighbors need to band together to solve their concerns rather than requesting vacation of alleys. Vacating the alleys would eliminate all the services provided by the City, which includes grading, blading, and pruning 5 trees from the right-of-way, at a cost of approximately $89,000-$90,000 annually. There was brief discussio n regarding paving alleys. • Director Ross advised that Transportation Analyst Weiman has presented the Master Bicycle Plan to the Planning Commission as well as to the Parks and Recreation Commission. Consideration will be given to the several suggestions received from both commissions, changes will be made, and staff will then approach City Council with a request to adopt the Plan . When approved by City Council, improvements listed in the Master Bicycle Plan can then be included in the Capital Improvement Program for funding consideration. Ms. Weiman noted that directional signage on the bike trails will include children's points of interest, i.e., Pirate's Cove, etc. Chairperson's Choice Chair Christie had no issues to present. Committee Members' Choice • To Vice-chair Anderson's inquiry, Director Ross responded that the City is preparing for application of the Microsurfacing product on selected City streets, which should begin within the next week or so. In preparation, City crews have begun grinding away the street lane markings where necessary. Mr. Anderson commented that recently, while waiting at the northbound traffic light at Cherokee St. and Hwy. 285, he received no green light to proceed, even though southbound traffic received a green light. Traffic Engineer Vostry stated he will have it checked. • Alternate Member Kinton inquired about adding a connection to the bike trail in Belleview Park, near the Children's Farm, that woul d actually connect with a pathway to Pirate's Cove. Director Ross noted that perhaps some remaining funds in the Sidewalk Missing Links Program could be used for that connection . Mr. Ross indicated he will look into it. Mr. Kinton stated he will be interested in the effects the newly installed traffic signal at Pirate's Cove will have on Belleview Ave . traffic, as well as the effects on pedestrian traffic crossing Belleview Ave. With regard to Mr. Kinton's inquiry, Mr. Ross advised that the shuttle is scheduled to begin running in September, and he will provide information as it becomes ava ilable. • Committee Member Goosman asked for a follow up to Council Member Tomasso's inquiry at the April ETAC meeting regarding whether or not go-ped drivers would be required to carry vehicle insurance . Director Ross responded there are no insurance requirements. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m. Linda Wilks, Recording Secretary 6 • • •