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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-12-09 TAC MINUTES• • • City of Englewood, Colorado ENGLEWOOD TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING Minutes of December 9, 2004 The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Transportation Advisory Committee was called to order by Chair Christie at 7:02 p.m. in the City Council Conference Room at the City of Englewood Civic Center. Members Present: David Anderson Joe Christie Betty Goosman Ray Tomasso, Council Liaison Rick Kahm, Director of Public Works, ex officio Members Absent: Daryl Kinton Regi Maclaren A quorum was present. Also Present: Ladd Vostry, Traffic Engineer Linda Wilks, Recording Secretary Lt. Jeff Sanchez Approval of Minutes Rob Carlson, Muller Engineering Bob Fearns, Muller Enginee r ing See attached sign-in sheet Cha ir Christie asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of November 18, 2004. There being none, a motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes as presented. Motion passed. Secretary's Note: As a result of further discussion later in the meeting, and upon verification from the City Attorney's office, approval of the minutes for the November 18th meeting should take place at the next meeting when at least three of the four members attending the November 18th meeting are present to approve those minutes. (Chair Christie was not present at the November 18th meeting, leaving only Committee Members Anderson and Goosman this evening to approve the minutes, which does not constitute a majority vote.) Public Comment Ms. Sylv ia Sandoval, 3201 S. Acoma St., addressed parking concerns in her neighborhood created by students of the Englewood Beauty College during the day, as well as patrons of the Gothic Theater in the even ing . Ms. Sandova l stated that, at different times, her driveway is blocked, preventing her and her family from entering or exiting. Additionally, Ms. Sandoval stated that Police have not responded when she calls. Ms. Sandoval noted the excessive trash, bad language from patrons, and, on occasion, broken car windows. Lt. Sanchez introduced himself to Ms. Sandoval, and suggested that he and Traffic Engineer Vostry meet with her at her residence to discuss options that could eliminate some of her parking concerns. Ms. Sandoval thanked Members for their time . Old Business Traffic Engineer Vostry introduced Bob Fearns and Rob Carlson from Muller Engineering, who are present to d iscuss the design for the Oxford Ave. traffic calming pilot program. With the use of aerial mapping, Mr. Fearns explained their prelim inary design for traffic calming on Oxford Ave. Mr. Fearns proposed installing a raised center median on Oxford east of Bannock St., and, on the west side of Bannock St., two additional raised medians, also known as "choker islands ", that would be installed in the parking/biking lanes. Placement of these raised structures would provide a five foot separation between the choker islands and the curb and gutter to allow for bicyclists and proper drainage. The choker islands, along with the center median, would create a visually perceptive narrowing of the Oxford Ave. roadway for traffic heading westbound from Broadway . The raised center median will be placed mid-block to allow an eastbound left t urn lane onto Acoma St. Mr. Fearns stated that the center median does, however, block left turns from the alley west of Acoma St., allowing for only r ight in/right out access, but opined that would be a small price to pay for the reduction in speed that the median will create. Mr. Fearns advised that, witr. the use of reflectors, delineators, signage, etc., the raised medians will be very visible to motorists . To Vice- chair Anderson 's inqu iry, Director Kah .m stated he does not believe the raised medians will be problematic for snowplows. Brief discussion ensued regarding alley access. On the west end of Oxford Ave., Mr. Fearns recommended installing two choker islands east of Lipan St. Mr . Fearns noted that the choker island on the south side of Oxford will be only about 30 feet in length to allow for access to the residential driveways that enter onto the roadway in this block, adding that the shorter length should be equally effective. Mr. Fearns described his recommendation perta ining to installing 20 ft. raised center medians on either side of the signalized school crosswalk on Oxford Ave . between Inca and Jason Streets. These medians would create a refuge for pedestrians. Mr. Fearns stated that these medians will restrict three driveways in this area to right in/right out movements. Brief discussion ensued regarding using a striped-out median area in place of the raised medians to create a similar visual affect. Mr. Kahm emphasized the added safety factor of raised medians as opposed to the pa inted striped-out medians . Mr. Kahm noted the ease of changing or relocating the features of this pilot program to produce the most effective end result. To Chair Christie's inquiry, Mr. Fearns estimated construction costs for each 60 ft. raised median to be around $2,000, constructed of concrete curb pinned to the existing asphalt, filled with aggregate base course and topped off with 2 inches of asphalt pavement. Mr. Kahm stated that once the pilot program is proven, and funds become available, these temporary structures can be replaced with more permanent features, to include decorative stamped concrete or other aesthetically pleasing material. Br ief discussion ensued regarding CDOT's "keyway" curb standard , the "pinned" detail also used by COOT, and the costs of both. Bus stop locations on the west end of the pilot site were also considered. To Chair Christie's inquiry, Mr. Kahm stated that the City will be conducting before and after traffic studies to calculate the effectiveness of the pilot program. It was noted that a raised center median is not recommended for the west end of this roadway because of the truck traffic coming off of Santa Fe as well as the residential driveways on the south side of Oxford 2 • • • • • • Ave. Mr. Anderson commented he has always been in favor of some sort of "gateway" advising motorists coming from Santa Fe that they are entering a residential area. Mr. Fearns stated he can use his computer software for testing and analyzing the effectiveness of a proposed traffic program and the impacts that may affect motorists, adding that he will use this method to test the usefulness of a center raised median on the west end, and report the results to Committee Members. Discussion ensued regarding the importance of communicating to this community what is being planned to slow traffic in their neighborhoods. Mr. Kahm opined that residents along this stretch of Oxford Ave., because of their long term concerns with speeding, will, most likely, be willing to work with Committee Members and staff to alleviate the problem, unless they have a special consideration because of a larger vehicle, i.e., motor home or boat, etc. Mr. Kahm reiterated that the pilot program devices can be moved to other locations should it become evident that the device is causing undue inconvenience for one or more residents. Placement of the speed display signs is proposed just west of Fox St. for westbound traffic and east of Fox St. for eastbound. Mr. Kahm commented that the eastbound traffic is typically slow in the mornings because of the school crossing between Inca and Jason Streets, with speed picking up somewhere in the vicinity east of Huron St. going up the hill, at which point motorists will see the speed display sign near Fox St. Again, these devices are moveable, if necessary. Mr. Kahm noted t hat the speed display signs are now active on Inca St. between S.H. 285 and Floyd Ave., as well as the flashing yellow crosswalk signs, which are push-button activated. Funding for the Oxford pilot program was discussed. Mr. Kahm stated that the Transportation System Fund is currently funding the purchase of the four display signs to be placed on Dartmouth Ave. and on Oxford Ave. Striping for Dartmouth will also be funded through the Transportation System Fund. Additionally, $50,000 was budgeted for 2005 in the Public Improvement Fund (PIF) to be used for the Oxford Ave. pilot program. Mr. Kahm pointed out that the center medians on Broadway between Quincy and Belleview Avenues are asphalt medians with a look similar to the ones proposed for Oxford Ave. Mr. Kahm stated that, if funds are available, staff can look at upgrading the medians proposed for Oxford. Committee Members expressed agreement with the proposed plans for the east end of Oxford, but requested additional consideration be given to a more detailed proposal for the west end. Mr. Kahm suggested that staff meet with residents along this stretch to obtain some feedback regarding this traffic calming concept, to which Muller Engineering can make some adjustments, if necessary. Mr. Kahm suggested then approaching City Council with the pilot program, perhaps in January, with a community meeting to follow. Mr. Kahm estimated that winter weather will delay installation of the proposed pilot plan until approximately April. Mr. Kahm stated he hopes to have a meeting and construction schedule prepared for Members by the January ETAC meeting. Mr. Anderson expressed concern with regard to trash haulers being able to maneuver around the raised medians. Mr. Kahm opined that trash haulers have no trouble maneuvering the City's dead end alleys and other similar situations, so does not expect the raised medians will be a problem. 3 New Business Director Kahm d iscussed City Board and Commission term limits, stating that ETAC is one of only two comm ittees in the City with member terms of two years, whereas others have terms of anywhere from 3 to • 6 year terms, the majority being 3 and 4 year terms. Mr. Kahm opined that, because of the potential length of time spent on any one transportation project, it might be prudent, and would provide continuity, if Members served a longer term. Committee officer terms were also discussed. Vice-chair Anderson, as at the November ETAC meeting, opined that action of this type should be taken when all Committee Members are present. Members Christie and Goosman agreed. Brief discuss ion ensued. It was also suggested that consideration be given to increase the number of members from 5 to 7 . Director's Choice • Regarding traffic calming on Dartmouth Ave. between Downing St. and University Blvd., Director Kahm reviewed plans proposed at the November ETAC meeting which include installing white parking lane stripes , Park ing Only signs, "share the road" signs, and two radar speed limit signs, one just west of Franklin s~. for westbound and one between Race and Vine Streets for eastbound. The Parking Only signs will be placed every other block to minimize motorists driving in those lanes. The travel lanes w ill be reduced to 12 ft. lanes with the installation of the white parking lane stripes . Mr. Kahm stated that installation of the white parking lane lines will not include the last block approaching University because of the designated traffic lanes. Mr. Kahm stated that Traffic Engineer Vestry has been talking with residents to obtain some concurrence for placement of the Parking Only and "shared road" signs, and would like to proceed with hav ing the white parking lane lines installed, along with the signage, in the near future, with the radar speed signs to be installed in the spring. Committee concurred with this plan. Discussion ensued regarding the possible effectiveness for phasing of traffic calming devices , i.e., signage, parking lane lines , etc., on the narrower collector streets such as Dartmouth . • Mr . Kahm noted the Englewood Herald article in Committee packets pertaining to Speed Watch on Clarkson St. Mr. Kahm advised that the residents in the 3800 block of South Clarkson St. were pleased with the Speed Watch Program, and he believes these residents now have a better understanding of the concerns and problems with wh ich the Police are faced regarding speeding. • Mr. Kahm reiterated that the radar speed signs, crosswalks, and flashing pedestrian actuated lights have been installed on Inca St. near Englewood Parkway. Pedestrians are using the pedestrian actuated flashing lights, and it appears motorists are heeding the radar speed signs. • Mr. Kahm advised that, per Committee Member Kinton's inquiry, he and Streets Manager, Dell Montgomery, verified that there is, in fact, a need for a street light on Navajo St. south of Oxford Ave., and Mr. Montgomery has placed an order through Xcel Energy. Mr. Kahm noted that street lights are typically used at intersections for traffic safety, however, in this case, the walls south of Oxford Ave. on both the east and west sides of Navajo St. block the existing street lights on the northwest and southeast corners of Oxford and Navajo. The street light will be placed approximately 300 feet south of Oxford Ave. on the west side. Installation is dependent upon Xcel's schedule. 4 • • • • • Mr. Kahm extended his appreciation to Lt. Sanchez and his staff for all their efforts in helping with traffic issues . Chairperson's Choice Chair Christie commented that he is glad to be back, but noted his employment may call for another leave early next spring. Committee Members' Choice • Committee Member Goosman wished everyone a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year. Ms. Goosman thanked Lt. Sanchez for his effort in assisting with the parking problem at Lafayette St. and Floyd Ave. • Council Liai son Tomasso noted that the merchants of Old Town Englewood are having their Christmas sale this Saturday, with Santa Claus, musicians, etc. Major newspapers are advertising the event and offering coupons. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m. Lind~ Wilks, Recording Secretary 5 (., "' .. -· _) t :1 1j__,J, .. ~ City of Englewood ENGLEWOOD TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE VISITOR SIGN-UP SHEET NAME -.. 2: ()..>J\.cLv ' .£...,.Jl. Regular Meeting December 9, 2004 7:00 p.m. Englewood Civic Center City Council Conference Room ADDRESS . ~;~c; \ c .:) ('_) () r l'/'>.-1/V'{'tv .30 PHONE -~-~l ,C(\ -~ -·_y .' -r ·· ,c ,..... -· '.; _: -~c\')'L 11 · _\i.. c \v ::\ ~~'° ~ •• ..,__ii':: (J c,-:::n : '7" '"l :::> ...;.. l ;,f 'l ·;--.··7 . : . ' • I.: I \...... 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