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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-02-12 TAC MINUTES• City of Englewood, Colorado ENGLEWOOD TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE Minutes of February 12, 2004 The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Transportation Advisory Committee was called to order by Chairperson Anderson at 7:03 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 Vestry, Traffic Engineer Wendy Weiman, T ransportation Analyst Linda Wilks, Recording Secretary John Knoth, Sergeant John Voboril, Planner I, Community Development Department See attached sign-in sheet • Introductions • Chairperson Anderson introduced and welcomed new Members Maclaren, Kinton, and Tomasso. · Director Ross distributed certificates and Englewood logo lapel pins to the new Members as well as to Member Goosman for her reappointment to ETAC. (Chairperson Anderson received his certificate and lapel pin at the City Council meeting when reappointees and new members were recognized.) Mr. Ross also provided copies of the Englewood Transportation Plan 2001 to Members Maclaren, Kinton, and Tomasso, and invited them to contact him with any questions they may have. Brief introductions were made of staff and Committee Members. Members Maclaren and Kinton briefly described their interests in the Englewood community. Approval of Minutes Chairperson Anderson asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of January 8, 2004. A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes as presented. Committee Member Dounay stated he had no corrections, however, referring to page 2 of the minutes, first full paragraph, he observed that City staff, many times, have preconceived ideas of the most appropriate solutions to given situations, irregardless of input received from citizens. Mr. Dounay noted past experiences, and suggested sharing information in a collaborative manner, with an open mind, to reach more powerful and appropriate solutions. There was no further discussion. Motion to approve the minutes passed . Public Comment Visitor Chuck Agins was recognized, but had no comments. Old Business Chairperson Anderson reviewed discussion from the January ETAC meeting regarding possible involvement with the Neighborhood Watch Program, which resulted in establishing Strategic Plan Short Term Goal #4, "Become active with Neighborhood Watch". Director Ross explained that the Neighborhood Watch Program is a community organization rather than a City organization, and he felt that Officer Peterson should first be contacted regarding ETAC's attendance. Traffic Engineer Vestry stated, while visiting with Officer Peterson, she said ETAC is welcome to attend the Neighborhood Watch meetings, and to let her know when the group would like to attend. Mr. Anderson stated he will contact Officer Peterson and make arrangements for ETAC to attend an upcoming Neighborhood Watch meeting. Mr. Anderson stated that he was interested in Mr. Ross' comment regarding a community group vs. a City group. Mr. Ross explained that ETAC, as a City organization, should be cognizant that the philosophy and ideas for Neighborhood Watch come from the neighborhoods, and stated that, while block meetings may address speeding and stop sign violations, the Neighborhood Watch Captains' meetings focus on other matters, i.e., crime, upkeep of senior citizens' yards, etc., as well. New Business With regard to the City of Englewood Master Bicycle Plan, Director Ross explained that when the Englewood Transportation Plan was drafted, staff determined that a more in-depth bicycle plan could be provided by City staff. Transportation Analyst Weiman noted that Planner I Voboril from the Community Development Department assisted in preparation of the draft Bicycle Plan. Ms. Weiman stated that drafting of a Bicycle Plan was a direct result of citizen comments received at public hearings held during drafting phases of the Transportation Plan. Ms. Weiman also noted that the last bicycle plan was approved in 1981. Ms. Weiman explained the process used for drafting the new Bicycle Plan, noting that, because Englewood is almost completely developed out, there is little opportunity to develop new streets with bike lanes, or to construct new trails. However, Englewood does have a grid network system, which creates a good opportunity to develop bike routes, and to improve on the missing links portions of the City's trail system. The Bicycle Plan offers the opportunity to tie into, and model, Denver's bike trail system to promote cycling between the two cities. After surveying the amenities on Englewood's existing bike trail system, staff recommended possible improvements that could include bicycle parking, drinking fountains, restrooms, video bike detection at traffic signals, and water and air stations. Mr. Ross added that input for preparation of the draft Bicycle Plan was received from bicycle clubs, elementary school students and other cities, as well as James Mccay who is known as the "bicycle guru" in Denver. Committee Member Dou nay questioned the uniformity of the survey conducted with Englewood • • school students, noting the possible differences in demographics from one school to another. Mr. Ross • stated that contact was made with every school. The princ ipals then arranged for interested teachers within 2 • • • their school to be a part of the survey. Further, Mr. Ross stated there was no exclusion of schools in the initial contact, however not every school responded; the schools named in the draft Plan had teachers who were able to provide class time to the survey. To Mr. Dounay's inquiry, Mr. Ross stated that the survey did not include specific age groups or grades, but that only class rooms with interested teachers were included. Mr. Dounay stated that, as he was drawing conclusions to the study, he wondered if the results of the survey were representative of all the students, to which Mr. Ross inquired if that portion of the draft should be removed. Mr. Dounay said no, he was only curious as to how the conclusion was reached, and how certain are the results. Brief discussion ensued regarding traffic that students, depending on their locations, may encounter. To Chairperson Anderson's inquiry, Mr. Ross explained that, once the Plan is approved by Council, as yearly budgets are prepared for the Capital Improvement Projects, requests will be made for funds to cover the costs of identified bicycle trail improvements. These budgetary requests for funds are in competition with other City departments, and City Counc il gives final approval on project funding. Mr. Ross stated that funding for some bridges has already been included on the most recent federally funded Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) application. Additionally, bridge projects were identified in a master list of projects as part of the Transportation Plan. Mr. Anderson inquired about the cost of maps. Ms. Weiman, showing examples of maps offered by the City and County of Denver, and the Denver Bicycling Club, stated that costs for mapping depend on the type of map. For 5,000 copies, the poly-coated map costs $5,238, and $2,083 for the regular color copy. The City's print shop can print 111/2 x 17 for $200 for 2,000 copies. Brief discussion ensued regarding ease of reading map markings in relation to the size of map. Mr. Ross inquired about what appears to be an omission of a connection between Englewood High School and Maddox Elementary along Mansfield Ave . Ms. Weiman advised that it was omitted because of comments from individuals who felt there were too many east/west direction routes, causing confusion for bicyclists. Mr. Dounay expressed that he likes the map contained in the draft Bicycle Plan, noting the 81/2 x 11 size, the light rail station indicators and the aerial photograph background. Ms. Weiman credited Planner I Voboril for drafting the map. At Mr. Dounay's inquiry, Mr. Voboril stated that the cost of producing the map contained in the draft Plan would be minimal, printed on a laser printer, probably similar to the price quoted by the City's print shop. Alternate Member Kinton inquired about pocket size maps; Ms. Weiman stated she would look into that. Brief discussion ensued regarding placement of air stations. Ms. Weiman stated that only one such facility exists in Colorado, off the Cherry Creek Trail near the Cherry Creek Mall. Ms. Weiman suggested an air station could be in stalled in the storage room under the stairs at the Englewood Light Rail Station, with a wire mesh wrapped hose coming from the storage room. Mr. Ross added that facilities such as existing police/fire stations, recreation center, etc. could provide space for this use. Mr. Ross noted that providing air stations was first suggested by a student at Flood Middle School. To Vice-chair Christie's inquiry, Mr. Ross stated that contingency costs have been factored in to the estimated costs of these projects. He guesstimated that probably 50% of those listed on the draft Plan are 3 accurate, while the remaining 50% could be "light". Mr. Ross stated that, should this Plan be adopted, and an official request for construction be made at some time in the future, an engineering estimate can then be prepared to accurately account for costs of construction. Mr. Ross stated that applications have been • submitted for funding from the TIP for the trail connections listed on the Cost Estimate sheet. Currently, partial federal funding from the TIP has been granted for the Big Dry Creek extension Phase II, from Progress Park to Lehew, and for Phase III, from Lehew to Broadway. Mr. Ross noted, also, that the City of Englewood is participating with the City of Denver on the Northwest Greenbelt project. Mr. Ross stated that, even though applications have been made for federal funding on all the listed projects, the costs listed on the Cost Estimate are total costs since TIP funding is not guaranteed. To Mr. Christie's inquiry, Mr. Ross stated that the finished Bicycle Plan will provide the best possible cost estimate information for City Council, and will show cost sharing figures for City and other entities, i.e., TIP, City of Denver, etc. To Mr. Anderson's comment, Mr . Ross elaborated that decisions to proceed with Capital Project construction items are not necessarily based on priority, but rather available funds. To Ms. Goosman 's inquiry, Mr. Ross responded that when applications are submitted for TIP funding, each project is scored by DRCOG, funding is awarded based upon the score of each competing project, and the funding received must be applied to the project for which it was awarded. Reapplying for funding is allowable only for projects that were not initially awarded funding. Mr. Dounay asked if these projects could receive funding from the Colorado Lottery fund through the Parks and Recreation Department. Mr. Ross advised that most of these projects would, in fact, be eligible, and added that the recently passed Arapahoe County Open Space tax is now, also, available. Mr. Anderson offered his approval of the draft Bicycle Plan . Mr. Ross stated that, upon City Council's approval, the first step should entail posting signage on the new trail system, to go hand in hand with publicity and distribution of maps of the trail system. Mr. Vestry added that ordering signs, identifying locations for placement, and actual placement of the signs will increase the time line for completion. Installation of the signs by City staff, rather than contracting, will save on costs, however, completion will be delayed. Mr. Ross stated that placement of signage will probably take place in 2005 . Mr. Ross mentioned that it would be important to bicyclists for signage to include route numbers, distances and grades, and he hopes this information can be included on the signage. To Mr. Dounay's inquiry regarding the section of bike trails on the east side of Clarkson, in the Cherry Hills city limits, Ms. Weiman explained that, ideally, she would like to have Cherry Hills, as well as Greenwood Village, adopt the bike trail numbering system. She indicated she will adjust the map to reflect Cherry Hills' trail on the east side of Clarkson as well as Englewood's tra il on the west side. Mr. Kinton asked if bicycle detection amenities will be kept in the tool box, to be implemented in the future when funds are available. Ms. Weiman responded that this amenity will take place sometime in the future; video detection at the traffic signals must first be acquired. She stated that, currently, video detection is in place at Floyd Ave. and Inca St., however, she does not believe that location would provide an adequate pilot bicycle detection study. Mr. Kinton stated that the intersection of Windermere St. and Oxford Ave. is dangerous for bicyclists, and suggested this location for a pilot detection study. 4 • • • • Mr. Anderson asked for Committee's pleasure regarding recommendations pertaining to the draft Bicycle Plan. Mr. Christie stated he would prefer delaying recommendations until the March ETAC meeting . Members concurred. Director's Choice • Referencing a memorandum contained in Committee packets from the Community Development Departme nt regarding redevelopment of the Denver Seminary site, Director Ross noted that traffic is a major concern of residents. Mr. Ross stated that Community Development expects to see an application for the PUD by t he end of February. Cha irperson Anderson stated that he attended the community meeting in January, and confirmed that, while the traffic situation is already very bad , residents are concerned that traffic backing up on University Blvd. past the side streets will "go from bad to worse". Mr. Anderson inquired if there was a process to follow, as a Committee, so that ETAC could support the conc e rns voiced by the residents . Mr. Ross stated that, as part of this development, Public Works will receive, review, and make recommendations pertaining to, a traffic study. Mr . Ross emphasized that he will keep ETAC apprised of traffic considerations for this project, to which , if necessary, Members can follow up by attending Planning Commission or City Council meetings. Brief discussion ensued regarding roadways and traffic within the development site. Committee Member Dounay commented, as a side note, that he previously communicated to Community Development Director Simpson that this site would be ideal for a senior citizens condominium community, and opined that this would have eli minated these types of traffic concerns for this location. Mr. Anderson asked to be informed when the developer acquires a website, and, additionally, asked that ETAC be provided with the same development and public meeting information as all residents living within 500 feet of the site. • Director Ross briefly reviewed an article published in the Rocky Mountain News pertaining to go-peds, copies of wh ich were distributed to Members . The article indicated that the Senate Transportation Committee killed the bill that would allow go-peds to be legal on all roads except where municipalities outlaw them . Mr. Ross advised that City Council will consider a draft ordinance at the Study Session on February lih, at 6:30 p.m. stipulating that go-peds in Englewood are to be used on the streets, not ori sidewal ks, and can only be operated on streets with a posted speed limit of 30 mph or less, they must obey all the rules of t he road, they will be treated as motorized bicycles, they must have brakes, a bell device, and, when operated at night, lights and reflectors. Mr. Ross stated he will lobby for unlicensed drivers to be required to wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet. Committee Member Chr istie expressed his satisfaction with the proposed City ordinance. Committee Member Dounay noted that the proposed ordinance does not allow for individuals wishing to use their go-peds on main arterials, for instance, to drive to work. • Mr. Ross discussed a request for permit parking on Inca St. near the Englewood Post Office, referencing a copy of a memorandum contained in Committee packets. The Post Office does not provide off • street parking f?r their 70 employees, causing parking problems in the surrounding neighborhoods. After numerous attempts to resolve the problems with both residents and Post Office staff, arrangements were 5 made, through the petition process, to implement permit parking; however, the Post Office then stepped forward, asking to work out a solution with the neighbors without permit parking being implemented. Mr . Ross stated that, since the most recent discussions with the two groups, he has not received any further complaints, so it appears their cooperation strategies are working. Mr. Ross advised that City Council has requested they now be involved in any future requests for permit parking to offer their input and approval prior to staff taking action. Mr. Ross advised that, when future requests for permit parking are received, individuals making such requests will be referred to ETAC, who will then make recommendations for City Council's consideration. Brief discussion ensued. Mr. Dounay commented that patron parking at this location is very minimal, and often times he has had to go to other Post Office locations. He opined that permit parking in this neighborhood could exacerbate parking conditions, causing patrons to park in the neighborhoods and then possibly receiving tickets. Mr. Ross explained that this permit parking request involved only five residences and, if implemented, would have displaced approximately ten Post Office employees' vehicles. Mr. Dounay opined that the Post Office needs to build a decked parking facility for their employees, mail vehicles, and patrons to the north of the Post Office facility. Traffic Engineer Vostry stressed that permit parking should be implemented as a last resort. Referring to the residential permit parking map, Mr. Vostry noted that permit parking areas near Englewood High School and Swedish Medical Center were, after numerous attempts of resolution, followed by the petition process, actually approved by City ordinance. And, from the map, he said you can see there are actually very few areas in Englewood with permit parking. Mr. Vostry commented that it is difficult to explain to residents in other areas of town requesting permit parking that a measure such as this may not actually be beneficial to their situation. Mr. Vostry said that, when residents request permit parking, staff attempts to work with them to resolve their parking situations in other ways, usually by encouraging cooperation between the parties involved. • Traffic Engineer Vostry advised that traffic signal rebuild construction at Logan St. and Floyd Ave., and at Logan St. and Dartmouth Ave., is proceeding. This construction includes new standards, new signal heads, new LED lights, and push button pedestrian crosswalks. Xcel Energy is expected to raise the overhead lines over Logan St. in the near future . Mr. Vostry stated that the new signals should be operational by the end of March. • Director Ross reported that federal safety funds were received to rebuild of the Kenyon Ave. and Broadway Traffic Signal adjacent to Flood Middle School. He stated that three traffic engineer design proposals were submitted, which are currently being reviewed by staff. Once a design has been selected and then approved by the State, the engineering firm should have the design completed by the end of May. Construction is expected to begin in August or September, with completion by the end of 2004. To Chairperson Anderson's inquiry, Traffic Engineer Vostry stated that the design for this project will include a study for left turns. And, if warranted, the left turns will be installed with the project; however, if no left turn is warranted, the equipment will be installed for use at a future date, if needed. Mr. Anderson interjected that this project will be similar to the signal installation that was recently completed at Broadway 6 • • • • and Oxford Ave. Mr. Vostry stated that they will be working with Flood Middle School throughout this project, particularly the construction phase. To Committee Member Dounay's inquiry, Mr. Vostry explained t hat, during a left turn phase, pedestrians would have the steady "don't walk" indicator, and only during the regular gree n li ght would pedestrians have a "walk" indicator. Committee Member Maclaren suggested that the east/west traffic at Kenyon Ave. and Broadway should be allowed more time to cross, especially during peak travel times. Mr. Vostry advised t hat the design phase of the project will determine necessary improvements regarding safety and movements through the intersection. Chairperson's Choice For the benefit of the new members, Chairperson Anderson explained that Committee Members' Choice on the Agenda provides the opportunity for Members to ask transportation related questions or to discuss items of interest. Mr. Anderson inquired about the status of the Safeway gas pump expansion. Traffic Engineer Vostry stated that no traffic related issues have been noted as a result of that project. Mr. Vostry added that pedestrian movement along Logan St. at this location seems t o be improved. Driver exit from the site onto Logan St. has also greatly improved with the expanded entrance, however left turns onto Logan remain slow. Mr. Anderson reminded Members that e lection of officers is scheduled for the March ETAC meeting. • Typically, elections are held in February, however, Committee previously agreed to hold the election in March this year because of a new voting member beginning his term in February. The current chair and vice-chair are term limited, each having served two consecut ive terms in those offices. • Committee Members' Choice • Committee Member Dounay asked about possible affects on traffic that may occur as a result of redevelopment of the King Soopers store. Director Ross advised that King Soopers will be expanding to the south, taking over the area currently occupied by the U.S. Bank. Mr. Ross stated that, in theory, King Soopers hopes that the expansion will gene rate more business, which w ill create more traffic through the area. City staff has requested that this project include widening the access onto Englewood Parkwa y on the south side of the property an additional 5 feet to allow a right turn on red. Mr. Dounay inquired about problems that may ex ist regarding the exit o nto Broadway . Mr. Vostry stated that frequent mon it ring shows no indication of problems at this locat ion. Mr. Ross stated that the City is in the process of signing off on the project plans submitted by King Soopers, and we are requiring a dedication of a transportation pedestrian utility easement fo r the sidewalk and utilities on Bannock St., which are on private property. Mr. Ross stated that King Soopers is looking to get permits as soon as possible. Mr. Dounay stated he recently observed a tricycle version of a go-ped with a narrow seat, being driven by senior citizens. Mr. Dounay questioned how this type vehicle would fit into the new proposed ordinance . Discussion ensued. Mr. Ross stated he will check on it. Mr. Dounay opined that the fact sheet flyer contained in Committee packets pertaining to liquid de-icer 7 does not necessarily contain true facts with respect to chemistry, and he expressed concern that the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is distributing this type of information. • Alternate Member Kinton reiterated his safety concerns for bicyclists at the intersection of Windermere • St. and Oxford Ave., and requested that consideration be given to this area as a test or pilot location for video or bicycle detection. Mr. Vestry concurred. • Committee Member Goosman noted the big improvement with construction of the new sidewalks on S.H. 285 between Hampden Ave. and Clarkson St. Ms. Goosman commented that she recently observed two riders on a go-ped, to which Mr. Ross responded that the proposed ordinance states "No motorized bicycle or go-ped/motorized scooter shall be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed and equipped." Brief discussion ensued regarding weight limits. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8 :54 p.m . Linda Wilks, Recording Secretary 8 • • • • •• City of Englewood ENGLEWOOD TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE ""!' IC .. --~· VISITOR SIGN-UP SHEET Regular Meeting February 12, 2004 7:00 p .m. Englewood Civic Center, Community Room ;r 7:>;;~· J ;-r ... ,. .-~· -'""" • .4~NAME · "5,t.'-', ,, ADDRESS __ ~~ ~ ...... -. ..:.i - ' / '·'1-'f A) ~--I k(' \) c '7-' I --1 : , [:"'. s 'S , I 4 ~1.C 'S \.....1 i'a....J 'S\ . ' l_'.\.k.\C \.:_ f\c"-, 1-.1 ) e.N .. _ .. ,._~'"' .) ,) 1 ~ PHONE -~ 7i -;z..-2 >>3 ,.., -:;-;;; ':I i',~(.... c'2.4i