HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-03-11 TAC MINUTES•
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City of Englewood, Colorado
ENGLEWOOD TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Minutes of March 11, 2004
The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Transportation Advisory Committee was called to order
by Chairperson Anderson at 7:02 p.m. in the City of Englewood Community Room.
Chairperson Anderson noted that Committee Members Dounay and Maclaren each called in their
respective absence from tonight's meeting.
Members Present: David Anderson
Joe Christie
Betty Goosman
Daryl Kinton, Alternate Member
Ray Tomasso, Council Liaison
Ken Ross, Director of Public Works, ex officio
Members Absent: Gary Dounay
Regi Maclaren
A quorum was present.
Also Present: Ladd Vestry, Traffic Engineer
Approval of Minutes
Wendy Weiman, Transportation Analyst
Linda Wilks, Recording Secretary
John Knoth, Sergeant
John Voboril, Planner I, Department of Community Development
See attached sign-in sheet
Chairperson Anderson asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of February 12,
2004. There being none, a motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes as presented. Motion
passed.
Election of Officers
Chairperson Anderson turned the meeting over to Director Ross to conduct the election of officers. Mr.
Ross asked for nominations for Chairperson. Mr. Anderson nominated Committee Member Christie,
seconded by Committee Member Goosman. Mr. Christie accepted the nomination. There being no further
nominations, Mr. Christie, through a verbal vote, was elected to serve as Chairperson.
Mr. Ross asked for nominations for Vice-chair. Committee Member Goosman nominated Committee
Member Anderson, seconded by Mr. Christie. Mr. Anderson accepted the nomination. There being no
further nominations, Mr. Anderson, through a verbal vote, was elected to serve as Vice-chair.
The meeting was turned over to Chairperson Christie.
Public Comment
Ms. Susan Gabriel, 4040 S. Delaware St., addressed the Committee regarding speeding concerns on
Delaware St. It was noted that Ms. Gabriel distributed flyers to her neighbors regarding attending tonight's
ETAC meeting. Ms. Gabriel questioned the accuracy of the speed studies conducted on this stretch of
Delaware St., and inquired about the operation of the speed study equipment. Traffic Engineer Vostry
explained that the counters are magnetic, measuring the time that the magnetic field is disturbed by passing
vehicles, which, in turn, calculates the speed. Additionally, the counter, through a programmed list of
vehicle lengths, records the type of vehicle, i.e., passenger car, motorcycle, etc. Mr. Vestry noted that
counters are currently placed on Bannock, Delaware, and Fox Streets . Results from these studies should be
complete next week. Mr. Vostry stated he will provide Ms. Gabriel with the study results for Delaware St. as
well as information regarding the Speed Watch Program. Ms. Gabriel expressed great concern for children
and pets when drivers use excessive speed on this stretch of roadway. Parked vehicles are also sideswiped.
Mr. Paul Cortes, 4065 S. Delaware St., inquired about installing stop signs on Delawa re St. between
Oxford and Kenyon Avenues , noting that most north /south residential streets have sig ns placed every 2-3
blocks. Mr. Cortes opined that placing stop signs on Delaware St., at the tops of the hills at Lehigh Ave. and
at Nassau Ave., would be most effective at slowing speeders. Ms. Gabriel concurred that the greatest speed
issues exist at these hills.
Mr. Ryan Davis, 4050 S. Delaware St., added that, in addition to the speeding problems on Delaware
St., the increased volume of traffic in the neighborhood is created by commuters choosing to bypass the
lights and traffic on Broadway. Mr. Davis believes that installing stop signs would also reduce the amount of
commuter traffic on Delaware St.
Discussion ensued regarding relocating the traffic study counters on Delaware St. Mr. Vestry stated he
will meet with Ms. Gabriel regarding a more suitable location for placing the counters. Mr. Vestry, advised
that neighborhood residents on the affected avenues must be included in discussions regarding these stop
signs since the existing stop signs on the avenues, actually, would be repositioned for traffic on Delaware St.
Mr. Vestry commented that, typically, it is the residents in the neighborhoods who pose the volume and
speeding problems.
Mr. Cortes reiterated his request that stop signs be installed on Delaware St. between Oxford and
Kenyon Avenues. Vice-chair Anderson interjected that stop signs are controversial in the traffic engineering
business, referring to information contained on the internet, which cites reasons that stop signs should not
be installed, i.e., insufficient traffic to warrant a stop sign, therefore creating situations where drivers would
begin ignoring the signs.
Director Ross emphasized that stop signs are not installed as an arbitrary resolution to perceived
speeding and traffic problems, but, rather, are installed as a result of accident analysis data, as well as
speed and volume studies. Mr. Vestry added that switching the stop signs at an intersection affects both
north/south and east/west traffic as well as the entire grid for several blocks. Ms. Gabriel stated she is more
interested in speed control rather than installing stop signs. Using the example of a stop sign that was
installed at a T intersection at Williams St. and Floyd Ave., Mr. Vostry stated that speeds are not generally
affected following placement of stop signs, that after stopping, or "rolling through" a stop sign, drivers tend
to pick up and continue their "comfort" speed. Brief discussion ensued regarding drivers' behavior.
Mr . Cortes noted stop signs that were recently installed on Bannock and Clarkson Streets. Mr. Vestry
advised they were installed because of the accident history at those locations. Mr. Vestry stated he has a
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data base containing the history of every accident that has occurred in the City since 1991, and he will look
at the history for accidents along this stretch of Delaware St. to help determine the appropriate solution
regarding the speeding concerns of this neighborhood.
Mr. Vostry advised that he will contact Ms. Gabriel and schedule a meeting with her next week after he
has received the current speed study results. They can then determine locations to set the counters for an
add itional speed study. Brief discussion ensued regarding the speed trailer.
Old Business
Transportation Analyst Weiman noted the changes she made to the map contained in the proposed
Master Bicycle Plan, as requested by Committee Members at the February ETAC meeting. Vice-chair
Anderson inquired about the mix of bicycles and vehicles with respect to speed issues that may exist on
some streets. Director Ross opined that bicyclists are not going to want to ride their bikes on residential
streets with numerous stop signs, but rather on secondary streets with fewer stops. Brief discussion ensued
pertaining to possible City liability that could exist as a result of marked bike routes.
Mr . Ross briefly discussed the revised Cost Est imate sheet for the Plan, contained in Committee
packets. Mr. Ross reviewed the procedure for implementing Capital Project items. Following ETAC's
approval of the Bicycle Plan, the Planning Commission will have the opportunity to review the Plan, followed
by City Council's review and approval. Then, when each year's budget is prepared, staff offers project
recommendations, which are also included with recommendations from other departments as well as City
Council. The City Manager's office will then prepare a prioritized list of Capital Projects, that fit available
funding, for City Council's consideration and approval. Following brief discussion, Vice-chair Anderson made
a motion, seconded by Committee Member Goosman, to approve the proposed Master Bicycle Plan. Motion
passed .
New Business
There was no New Business.
Director's Choice
• Director Ross reported that City Council approved, on first reading, the Go-ped ordinance on March 1st,
as well as the ordinance pertaining to the helmet requirement for young go-ped drivers not possessing a
valid drivers license. The second reading is scheduled for March 1st11 , followed by a 30 day waiting period.
Br ief discussion ensued regarding noise from this type of vehicle. Mr. Ross stated the City Attorney advised
that a decibel meter is not required for enforcement of the noise ordinance; only citizen complaints of the
nuisance are needed to enforce that law. To Vice-chair Anderson's inquiry, Mr. Ross stated that an article
will appear in the upcoming Englewood Cit izen regarding the new go-ped ordinance. Mr. Vestry stated he
will also discuss this ordinance with the School Safety Committee and ask that they help get the information
out to students and parents.
• With regard to the Denver Seminary redevelopment, Director Ross reported that plans have been
submitted for the project, and Public Works staff has submitted their plan review comments regarding to
Community Development to be submitted to the architect along with comments from other City
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departments. Mr. Ross stated he will distribute copies of staff's comments· to ETAC after the architect has
first received them. To Vice-chair Anderson's inquiry, Mr. Ross advised that staff from Public Works and
Community Development are receiving numerous phone calls from citizens regarding this project. To
Committee Member Goosman's inquiry, Mr. Ross stated that notification for future public meetings will be
posted on the property, and notices will be sent to neighbors within a 500 foot radius of the property. Mr.
Ross stated he will keep ETAC Members informed of upcoming meetings. Mr. Ross noted that Community
Development expects the plans to be presented to the Planning Commission sometime in May, 2004.
• Updating Committee Members on the traffic signal work at Logan and Dartmouth, and at Logan and
Floyd, Traffic Engineer Vostry advised that signal operatio n has been switched to the new traffic equipment
at Logan St. and Floyd Ave ., and Xcel Energy has rais ed the overhead po~er lines so that the contractor can
begin installation of the new equ ipment for tile Logan St. and Dartmouth Ave. intersection. Mr. Vostry noted
that some minor maintenance has yet to take place , along with some temporary sidewalk repair. He stated
that the entire project should be complete by the end of March, with the exception of permanent sidewalk
repair, which will take place later in the spring . Mr. Vostry stated that lane and cro sswalk striping will take
place in warmer weather, following the microsurfacing program in late spring.
Vice-chair Anderson asked if the tight corners at Kenyon and Broadway will be softened when that
signal replacement takes place. Director Ross stated staff will take a look at possible improvements during
the design process.
Chairperson's Choice
Chairperson Christie had no items for discussion.
Committee Members' Choice
Vice-chair Anderson, referring to page 12 of City Council Meeting Minutes of February 17, 2004, stated
that the text is unclear as to Senior Planner Langon 's involvement in a traffic matter on Cherokee and
Delaware Streets between Oxford and Kenyon Avenues. Director Ross stated he is uncertain of her
involvement but assumes it refers to neighborhood speeding, and perhaps Ms. Langon was discussing other
matters with the gentleman in question when he brought up some traffic concerns to her. Council Member
Tomasso explained that Ms. Langon had, in deed, dealt with this gentleman on Community Development
issues, and when he approached the subject of traffic, she referred him to the Traffic Division .
To Vice-chair Anderson 's inquiry, Director Ross stated that Ms. Anne Bachmann, a resident on
Pennsylvania St. near Englewood High School, contacted the City and expressed some concerns regarding
perm it parking, parking enforcement, litter, etc. Mr. Ross stated he scheduled a meeting at the high school
that included high school staff, and City personnel to address each of Ms. Bachmann's concerns; Ms.
Bachmann also invited Council Member Barrentine. Mr. Ross stated that, during discussions at this meeting,
it became evident that Ms. Bachmann's concerns could be handled by high school staff and the Safety
Services Department. Mr. Ross stated that Ms. Bachmann seemed impressed and happy with the response
that was provided. High School staff indicated they will announce neighborhood parking limitations at
evening functions so that parents and students can react accordingly.
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CouncirMember Tomasso advised that he attended a DRCOG meeting, discussion at which included a
projected increase in square mileage for the Denver metro area, from the current 750 sq. miles to 1,000 sq .
miles in 2030, or an additional 1,000,000 people by 2030, adding to the already existing traffic congestion .
Additionally, Mr. Tomasso stated he recently attended the 2nd Annu a l Building Livable Commun it ies in
Colorado Conference. The conference addressed safe routes to schools, the walking school bus, wider
sidewalks, designing streetscapes that would promote slower traffic, des igning bike trails, etc. Mr. Tomasso
elaborated that the walking school bus, led by a parent, would provide the opportunity for children to walk
to sc hool, thus providing exerc ise and other health benefits, reducing traffic hours, etc. Brief discussion
ensued regard ing the walking school bus concept as it may relate to liability issues.
Chairperson Christie stated that the U.S. Senate has passed a bill supporting the TEA-21 program for
federal transportation funding . Mr. Christie encouraged Members to make phone calls to the White House
ask ing President Bush to support the TEA-21 funding . Director Ross added that TEA-21 funding was
prov ided for construction of the sidewalks along Hwy. 285, Un iversity Blvd., and Belleview Ave., as well as
the bike trai l being constructed along Big Dry Creek. Mr. Chr istie stated he will forward , via email, the
original notice he received.
Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:23 p.m.
e CZ:t~ / uJtit'LJ
Li nda Wilks, Recording Secretary
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City of Englewood
ENGLEWOOD TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
VISITOR SIGN-UP SHEET
Regular Meeting
March 11, 2004 7:00 p.m.
Englewood Civic Center, Community Room
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