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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-11-18 TAC MINUTES• • • City of Englewood, Colorado ENGLEWOOD TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING Minutes of November 18, 2004 The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Transportation Advisory Committee was called to order by Vice-chair Anderson at 7:01 p.m. in the City Council Conference Room at the City of Englewood Civ ic Center. Members Present: David Anderson Betty Goosman Daryl Kinton Regi Maclaren Ray Tomasso, Council Liaison Ric k Kahm, Director of Public Works, ex officio Members Absent: Joe Christie A quorum was present. Also Present: Ladd Vostry, Traffic Engineer Linda Wilks, Recording Secretary Lt. Jeff Sanchez See attached sign -in sheet Vice-chair Anderson welcomed visitors in attendance. Introductions of Committee Members and staff were made . Approval of Minutes Vice-chair Anderson asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of October 14, 2004. There being none, a motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes as presented. Motion passed. Public Comment Judy Sexton, 1511 E. Dartmouth Ave., addressed ETAC regarding speeding concerns on Dartmouth Ave. between University Blvd. and Downing St., asking for the City 's assistance in finding a solution to this long term situation. Ms. Sexton, Chairperson for the Dartmouth Ave. Speedway Committee , reviewed incidents that have occurred on Dartmouth Ave. wherein residents ' vehicles have been sideswiped by speeding vehicles, some of which were tot aled, adding that a total of 28 accidents have occurred since 2002. Ms . Sexton praised Traffic Engineer Vestry as well as the Police Department for their assistance in attempting to alleviate the excessive speed on this stretch of roadway. Ms. Sexton stated that residents a long Dartmouth Ave. no longer park in front of their homes because of the chance that a speeding motorist will hit their vehicle. Additionally, personal safety is of great concern. Ms. Sexton stated their committee is requesting that t he City install a four-w ay stop on the corner of Franklin St. and Dartmouth Ave., as well as a solid white line on each side of Dartmouth Ave. to designate a parking lane . Mark Sexton, 1511 E. Dartmouth Ave., reiterated that the full stretch of Dartmouth Ave. between University Blvd. and Downing St. is prone to accidents. Mr. Sexton opined that it is only a matter of time before a fatality occurs in this area. Frank Nowak, 1441 E. Dartmouth Ave., noted tailgating as well as motorists passing other vehicles on the right and on the left on this stretch of ro adway, which is a no passing zone. Mr. Nowak requested staff's suggestions for alleviating these traffic hazards. Stan Bonnes, 1431 E. Dartmouth Ave., added his concerns with the speeding issue. Mr. Bonnes noted accidents wherein two children have been hit and, additionally, when a vehicle hit another and then continued through a resident's yard and through their living room wall. Mr. Bonnes agreed that adding a solid white line to designate a parking lane should help to alleviate some of the speeding problem. Debby Pool, 1431 E. Cornell Ave ., offered her support for her neighbors living on Dartmouth Ave. Ms. Pool stated that this traffic situation is a concern for all of the Arapahoe Acres neighborhood, not just residents living on Dartmouth. Ms. Pool reiterated a request that was made at the community meeting in October that Traffic Engineer Vestry get back to residents with staff's recommendations for solving this problem. Director Kahm presented some information regarding ETAC's function in dealing with traffic issues, and reviewed an upcoming "pilot program" for reducing speed on Oxford Ave., which is also a collector street. Funding issues related to accomplishing recommended solutions were also noted. Mr. Kahm explained the 85th percentile concept, or the "comfort" speed at which motorists drive. Additionally, Mr. Kahm reported that he was contacted by Council Member Barrentine regarding a citizen's concern with speeding in the 3800 block of South Clarkson St., also a collector street. Mr. Kahm noted that four all-way stops have been installed on Clarkson St. between Hampden and Belleview Avenues, which, incidentally, do not meet the warrants of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Mr. Kahm stated that the all-way stops have not slowed traffic, that, in fact, the 85th percentile speed remains at 37-38 mph along this stretch of Clarkson St. Mr. Kahm stated that radar speed limit signs are being installed soon on the CityCenter site, and are also being considered for installation on Oxford Ave., and perhaps on Clarkson St. as well. Mr. Kahm explained the Speed Watch Program, which is another tool that has been adopted by the City to help curb residential speeding. Mr. Kahm stated that residents volunteer to be trained by staff from Traffic Engineering as well as the Police Department to monitor speeding of passing motorists, using a stop watch and markings placed on the pavement. Trained residents then inform the Police Department of license plate numbers of speeding motorists, and they, in turn, mail a notification to that motorist that they were observed speeding. To provide some immediate relief to the residents on Dartmouth Ave., Mr. Kahm proposed installing a solid white line, on both the north and south sides of Dartmouth Ave. to designate parking lanes, and, additionally, installing some signage to inform motorists that the roadway is shared by bikers and motorists alike. And, because of their observed effectiveness, Mr. Kahm is also recommending ordering two radar 2 • • • • • • speed limit signs to be installed on Dartmouth Ave., one eastbound and one westbound. Funds for these speed limit signs will come from the Transportation System Improvement account . To Mr. Sexton 's inquiry, Mr. Vostry stated that staff uses every avenue available to obtain grants for these types of traffic projects. Mr . Vostry exp lained that federal grant money must be used on interstate and arterial roadways. Applications for this type of funding go through the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG ); cities from the entire metro area compete for the same funding. Mr. Vestry surmised, now that extensive speed studies have been conducted throughout Englewood, and similarities can be pinpointed, it is appropriate to proceed with the proposed pilot program on Oxford Ave ., and to expand the program on other collector streets, as funds become available. Mr. Kahm stated it is important to be cons istent with placement of traffic calm ing efforts, treating all collector street ne ighborhoods equally. Mr. Vestry desc ri bed the programmability of the new radar speed limit sign, i.e., in the middle of the night, a da r k scree n can be programmed to begin flashing Slow Down along with the speed of an approach ing motorist. Mr . Kahm reiterated that staff will begin the process of installing the solid white lines and shared roadway signage , as w ell as order the radar speed lim it signs. The lines can be installed very soon, while the radar signs will ta ke approximate ly five to six weeks, allowing for shipping and installation. Mr. Kahm stated that staff will contact Ms. Sexton as soon as a proposal and schedule are worked out. Upon visitors ' departure, Committee and staff continued discuss ion regard i ng Dartmouth residents' concerns . Mr. Kahm op ined, from information City Manager Sears gathered at a recent Metro Mayors' Cauc us, that fo lks will be taking another look, probably w ith in the ne xt year, at the Alive at 25 program on a metro wide scale . It was noted that ETAC did not previously recommend pursuing this program because, 1) of th e exorbitant cost of signage, and , 2) if speeds are "artificially" lowered, which in itself could create a dilemma for Traffic Enforcement, motorists will continue to drive at their speed of comfort unless a change is actually made to the "feel" of the roadway. Motorists are aware of the speeding "cushion" within which they w ill not be issued a ticket. Vice-chair Anderson asked if Members had any furthe r questions or concerns on which to follow up pertaining to concerns ra ised earlier by the Dartmouth residents. To Mr. Anderson's inquiry, Mr. Vestry st ated t hat sidesw iping inc ide nts tend to occur city-wide, not only on Dartmouth Ave. Mr. Vostry expanded that, of the 28 accidents on Dartmouth mentioned earlier by Ms. Sexton , the majority of those accidents occurred near Down ing and near Univers ity; in the 1500 block of East Dartmouth , there has been one acciden t in each of the last five years. There was brief discussion regarding the feel of that roadway once you've passed Franklin St., that the roadway appears to "open up". Mr . Kahm stated that the location for placement of the radar speed limit signs could have a psychological affect on motorists' speed in th is instance . Mr. Kahm estimated that the cost of installing the two radar speed limit signs and painting the solid white lines will be in the neighborhood of $22,000 to $23,000 . Mr. Vestry commented that a "shared" road, bikers and vehicles, is prefe ra ble to designated bike lanes, and noted that some jurisdictions, i.e., Denver, are reverting back to the shared roadway concept. 3 Old Business There was no Old Business. New Business With regard to collector street traffic calming, Director Kahm described staff's concept of the pilot program for slowing traffic on Englewood's collector streets. As Members agreed at the October ETAC meeting, the pilot program will begin with installing calming devices on Oxford Ave. between Broadway and Santa Fe. Mr. Kahm stated that, upon Members' concurrence, staff will hire a consultant to design the layout of the pilot program. Staff's conceptual plan includes: ¢ Install two neck-downs near the Recreation Center on the west end of Oxford Ave., as well as on the east end of Oxford Ave. just west of Acoma St. The neck-downs would be detached approximately 4 ft. from the curb to allow for bicyclists as well as proper drainage along the curb. ¢ Install a raised center median on the east end of Oxford Ave. near Acoma/Bannock. ¢ Install a short raised center median on either side of the school crosswalk on Oxford Ave . between Inca and Jason Streets. ¢ Install two radar speed limit signs on Oxford in the vicinity of Fox and Galapago Streets, one eastbound, one westbound. Mr. Kahm stated that these devices should fall within the $50,000 budgeted for 2005 in the PIF Transportation Action Plan account. To Mr. Anderson 's inquiry, Mr. Vostry stated that, during the design phase, they will look at adding crosswalks to the neck-downs to facilitate easier crossing for Recreation Center patrons. Brief discussion ensued. Also, to Mr. Anderson's inquiry, Mr. Vostry explained that a raised center median cannot be installed at the west end of Oxford Ave. because of the number of semi trucks that turn on to Oxford from Santa Fe. Discussion ensued regarding appropriate locations for placement of the neck-downs on the west end of Oxford Ave.; using the speed data collected by the radar speed limit signs to make adjustments in the layout of the calming devices; the ongoing need for enforcement; etc. Mr. Kahm noted that staff plans to take steps to re-establish the momentum to keep the Speed Pledge Program active. Mr. Kahm opined the Program has lost some of its momentum over the last year or two. In the past, this Program has proven itself to be effective in helping to curb speeding problems in residential neighborhoods. Brief discussion resumed regarding the Alive at 25 Program. At Committee Member Maclaren's inquiry, Mr . Kahm advised that the radar speed limit signs cost about $9,000 each. These signs offer several scenarios for monitoring traffic and speeds, as well as messages that can be programmed for oncoming motorists, i.e., post local speed limit, clock but not post speed of oncoming vehicle unless vehicle is speeding, flash "Slow Down", etc. Mr. Kahm advised that if, over a period of time, the sign becomes ineffective in slowing traffic, the signs can be moved to other locations. At Committee Member Kinton's inquiry, Mr. Kahm commented that, since available funding is limited, other 4 • • • • residents requesting similar traffic calming could pursue raising the funds needed to implement this type of traffic calming for their neighborhoods. Matching funds may be another option . Mr. Kahm stated that, if staff's conceptual plan meets with Members ' approval, staff will have a consultant design the pilot program for Oxford Ave., and then make a presentation at the December ETAC meeting. If Members approve that design, plans will go forward to arrange for a presentation to City Council the first part of January. Mr. Kahm stated that, in the meantime, staff will ord er the radar speed limit signs for both Oxford Ave. and for the Dartmouth neighborhood. Mr. Kahm, stated that, additionally, he w ill proceed to have the solid white lines painted on Dartmouth. Mr. Anderson asked if it would be appropriate to hold a community meeting for the Oxford Ave. pilot program. Mr. Kahm advised that would be a decision for ETAC Members. Vice-chair Anderson made a motion, seconded by Committee Member Kinton, that staff proceed with obtaining design work for the Oxford Ave. pilot program, as specified in their conceptual plan. Motion passed. Vice-chair Anderson made a motion, seconded by Committee Member Maclaren, to proceed with applying the solid white lines for designated parking on Dartmouth Ave. between Downing St. and University Blvd., and additionally, to follow through with ordering the radar speed limit signs for this same area. Motion passed. Mr. Kahm reiterated that, pr ior to installing the radar signs, staff will present the design work for this project to ETAC. • Director's Choice • To Vice-chair Anderson's inquiry pertaining to Clarkson St. speeding issues, Traffic Engineer Vostry explained that the traffic counters placed on roadways can calculate speeds of passing vehicles but cannot depict the type of vehicle. It was speculated that the vehicle clocked at 70 mph in the Clarkson St. speed study was traveling in the middle of the night and , ignoring stop signs, or perhaps the vehicle was an emergency vehicle. • Director Kahm stated there was nothing new to report regarding the Denver Seminary site redevelopment. Mr. Kahm advised that the developer has not yet completed the permit process with COOT for lane reconfiguration on University Blvd. • Mr. Kahm reported, now that all equipment has been received, installation of CityCenter crosswalks, radar speed limit signs, and flashing pedestrian actuated lights is expected to take place within the next two weeks, weather permitting. • Mr . Vostry reported COOT has advised that funds have become available, and, contrary to previous reports , they expect to be able to overlay Hwy. 285 from Marion St. to Federal Blvd. in 2005 rather than having to de lay the project until 2006. • Mr. Kahm inquired if the Committee would be interested in exploring a change in the Ordinance, wherein ETAC Member terms would be lengthened from 2 years to 4 years, and officer terms from 1 year to • 2 years. Vice-chair Anderson indicated his preference in holding this discussion when Chair Christie is present. This subject was tabled until the December meeting. Council Member Tomasso suggested also 5 extending the membership from 5 members to 7 members. Mr. Kahm commented that to complete a project often takes longer than the existing two year term limits. Chairperson's Choice Vice-chair Anderson speculated that Chair Christie will probably be returning soon from his job assignment, and should be present at the December ETAC meeting. To Mr. Anderson's inquiry, Committee Member Kinton stated he plans to confer with City Council regarding his recent appointment to the RTD Board of Directors as it may relate to serving on ETAC; perhaps a liaison position would be a consideration, depending on circumstances of the RTD Board. Committee Members' Choice • Committee Member Goosman inquired about oversized vehicles parking beyond the no parking sig ns on the southeast corner of Floyd Ave. and Lafayette St., creating difficulty for motorists trying to enter the intersection from Lafayette. Traffic Engineer Vostry suggested that she notify Lt. Sanche z with the license plate numbers of these vehicles, that perhaps the same vehicles routinely park at that location. Ms . Goosman also asked about restricted height signage. Staff will investigate the situation. • As a side note, Council Member Tomasso referred to a newspaper article pertaining to the new Italian Police Car, $265,000, capable of reaching 290 mph. Brief discuss ion ensued. Mr. Tomasso advised he received an inquiry regarding what is allowed for traffic backup at drive throughs , specifically on Oxford Ave . at Broadway, pertain ing to queuing. Mr. Kahm stated he is not aware of an Ordinance pertaining to this issue. • To Committee Member Maclaren's inquiry, Director Kahm stated that Mr. Vostry will contact the residents on Dartmouth Ave. regarding progress for traffic calming that was discussed earlier this evening. • Committee Member Kinton reiterated his concern for the extreme nighttime darkness along Navajo St. south of Oxford Ave. Additional street lights are needed for pedestrians, students and shift workers walk ing to and from the light rail station at night. Mr. Kahm stated staff will look at an area, beyond the wall and behind the walk, on the east side of Navajo that may accommodate a light pole. Committee Member Maclaren exited the meeting at 9:08 p.m. Mr. Kinton inquired about obtaining the right-of-way for a bike path along Windermere St. from Kenyon Ave. to Hampden Ave . Mr. Kahm advised that the City applied for funding to install this trail connection through DRCOG, but did not score well. Mr. Kinton opined that it would be worth looking into obtaining this right-of-way; it was noted that RTD controls a certain portion of that right-of-way. Mr . Kahm noted that the Sports Authority originally wanted a pedestrian bridge connection to our light rail station , however, after fencing their property, they were no longer interested . Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:11 p.m. Linda Wilks, Recording Secretary 6 • • • • ,,<" tl t/\ ·-y--. ! ·/'\-tA);...J 01 i • • City of Englewood ENGLEWOOD TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE VISITOR SIGN-UP SHEET . .,-wA-tL- Regular Meeting November 18, 2004 7:00 p.m. Englewood Civic Center City Council Conference Room I (/~. /ti '?f t '+ii G . -;) ~JvLo 0 n + .Ot1,-1/n 1 • t ti /l v ·{ 1 PHONE ~3 73/-(, O .:): 6v7)q c-(7 --)~r ~a ~) c.' . lS' 3 -{'2-i 3 -7,f j /Z I