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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-08-11 TAC MINUTES• City of Englewood, Colorado ENGLEWOOD TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING Minutes of August 11, 2005 The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Transportation Advisory Committee was called to order by Chair Christie at 6:33 p.m. in the City Council Conference Room at the City of Englewood Civic Center. Members Present: David Anderson Joe Christie Betty Goosman Mark Craft, Alternate Member Ray Tomasso, Council Liaison Rick Kahm, Director of Public Works, ex officio Members Absent: Daryl Kinton Regi Maclaren A quorum was present. Also Present: Jerry Lancaster, GIS Analyst Linda WJlks, Recording Secretary Commander Jeff Sanchez See attached sign-in sheet Approval of Minutes Chair Christie asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of July 14, 2005. There • being none, a motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes as presented. With all Members present voting aye, the motion passed. • Public Comment Chair Christie acknowledged visitors attending this evenings meeting. Dane Stephenson and Carrie Aldrich, residing at 3101 S. Logan St., were present to address their concerns regarding traffic and recent accidents near Logan St. and Eastman Ave. Mr. Stephenson noted two speed studies that were conducted recently in this area, the first being repeated due to possible interference caused by a police presence in the area. Mr. Stephenson also noted a brief police presence during the second speed study, stating he was uncertain if those results would also be compromised. Mr. Stephenson stated he and other residents in that area determined four options that may assist the City in resolving their concerns: 1) replace the two-way stop on Eastman Ave. with a traffic light; 2) reduce the speed limit along Logan St. to 25 mph between Yale and Hampden Avenues; 3) install "fines doubled for speeding" signage between Yale and Hampden Avenues; and, 4) install digital speed signs on Logan St. between Yale and Hampden Avenues. Mr. Stephenson noted another vehicle accident that occurred at Logan and Dartmouth this past Saturday, and reiterated that residents' main concern is slowing traffic on Logan St. Director Kahm stated that results of the latest speed study will be available upon the return of Traffic Engineer Vostry on August 22. Commander Sanchez commented that he recently spent approximately three hours observing the traffic at Logan St. and Eastman Ave., from about 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. During that time, Mr. Sanchez did not witness excessive speed, partly due to volume. Mr. Sanchez noted that the majority of accidents are not speed related, but, rather, are due to carelessness. Mr. Sanchez discussed the circumstances surrounding the motorcycle accident that occurred recently at this location, noting that speed was not a factor. Mr. Sanchez discussed the correlation between speed and accidents at this location, again noting that speed does not appear to be a factor. Mr. Sanchez stated that there may, however, be a site distance concern when facing westbound at Eastman and Logan because of a large tree on the northeast corner. Mr. Sanchez acknowledged the desire to come up with a solution for issues at this intersection, but reiterated the importance of coming up with the right solution. Mr. Sanchez advised that he did request his officers to avoid this area during the second study, and, additionally, checked their Daily Field Activity Report (DFAR) to verify that the speed study results had not been compromised; the short inadvertent police presence during the seconctstudy (approximately 7 minutes, 6:34 to 6:41) should not invalidate the outcome. Mr. Stephenson, because of numerous "near miss" accidents involving speeding motorists, questioned the timing of the traffic signal at Logan and Dartmouth. He stated that Traffic Engineer Vostry has advised him that there is not sufficient data to warrant chang ing the timing. Ms. Aldrich interjected that the accidents she has observed at this intersection have been caused by motorists attempting to speed through the intersection before a red light, passing inappropriately, etc. Mr. Sanchez advised he will look at the accident data, recognizing that there is speeding, on some level, on every city street. Mr. Stephenson commented on the effectiveness of the radar speed signs posted on Logan St. and on Inca St. Mr. Kahm concurred. Council Member Tomasso commented that concrete replacement construction taking place along Logan St. may also have contributed to inaccurate results of the first speed study. Mr. Kahm agreed that a third speed study along this stretch of Logan St. may be warranted to insure accurate results. Mr. Christie added that, in talking with Traffic Engineer Vostry, traffic on Eastman Ave. is insufficient to warrant installing a traffic signal at that intersection. Br ief discussion ensued regarding the pros and cons of other traffic calming methods, i.e., speed bumps, as well as the effectiveness of doubling fines in school zones, etc . Mr. Christie offered two suggestions for traffic calming on this stretch of Logan St., i.e., install parking lane lines and a digital speed sign similar to those installed on Dartmouth Ave. east of Downing St., as well as investigating and solving possible sight distance issues at Logan and Eastman. To Mr. Stephenson's inquiry, Mr. Kahm stated that speed study results will be calculated when Traffic Engineer Vostry returns on August 22 "d; the outcome will be presented to, and discussed with, ETAC Members . Mr. Christie indicated that a copy of the results will also be provided to Mr. Stephenson. Vice- chair Anderson stated he would like to see the results of a five year accident history that had previously been provided to City Council. Mr. Christie advised Mr. Stephenson that ETAC will propose a solution to these safety concerns as quickly as budget and construction will allow. Old Business • Members continued discussion from last month's meeting regarding ETAC's web page. Following brief discussion, Vice-chair Anderson made a motion, seconded by Committee Member Goosman, to adopt the draft description contained in Committee packets as the opening paragraph on ETAC's web page. With all Members present voting aye, the motion passed. 2 • • • • • • Chair Christie advised that he has taken a number of digital photos of areas in Englewood depicting projects initiated by ETAC, i.e., Oxford and Dartmouth Avenues traffic calming projects. Photos of the Logan and Inca Streets digital speed signs, the Logan and Eastman intersection, and the permit parking area on Galapago St., were also included. Mr. Christie's digital photos were projected on screen for viewing and discussion. Committee viewed a number of photos, agreeing on several they would like posted on the ETAC web page. Discussion of the Logan and Eastman intersection ensued as photos of the area were projected on screen. Mr. Lancaster inquired about Members' preference of photos to be placed on the web page. Mr. Christie requested that Mr. Lancaster experiment with the photos provided and select those that would best format for the web page. Discussion ensued regarding including brief descriptions on the web page to outline ETAC's recent accomplishments. Mr. Christie stated that he will draft a description, recognizing that this will be an ongoing process over time that can be updated and revised, as needed. Additionally, Mr. Lancaster indicated he will get together with Traffic Engineer Vostry to also draft some information, to be considered along with Mr. Christie's draft. Mr. Kahm commented that the effectiveness of truck restriction signage on Oxford Ave. is noteworthy. Mr. Kahm opined that truck traffic is reduced since installation of this new signage; a traffic count can be conducted in the near future to determine the actual reduction in truck traffic. Mr. Anderson noted that the island installed in the center lane on Oxford Ave. at Cherokee St., has shortened the left turn lane for westbound motorists turning onto Cherokee. Mr. Kahm stated this situation was recently called to his attention, and staff will be addressing this concern shortly. • As a point of information, Chair Christie advised that he mailed a letter to Committee Member Kinton, followed by a phone call, regarding his attendance at ETAC meetings. Speaking with Mrs. Kinton, Mr. Christie learned that Committee Member Kinton has been in the hospital for the past three months, and is currently recovering in Craig Hospital. Committee was distressed to learn of Mr. Kinton's condition. Brief discussion ensued. Mr. Christie opined that the issue of attendance should be addressed in September when, hopefully, Mr. Kinton will have had the opportunity to respond to Mr. Christie's letter. New Business There was no New Business. Director's Choice • Following up on discussion regarding traffic concerns at the Logan and Eastman intersection, Director Kahm advised that installing a traffic signal at this location would cost in the neighborhood of $100,000, noting that placing a signal at Eastman would realize traffic signals at six consecutive intersections on Logan between Dartmouth Ave. and Hwy. 285. Mr. Kahm noted that, because of the City's financial concerns, funding originally requested for ETAC to manage traffic calming and transportation issues has been reduced from $50,000 to $20,000 for 2006. Mr. Kahm added that he hopes to have the opportunity in September to lobby for additional funds for this account. Additionally, Mr. Kahm stated that funding to replace the traffic signal at Tufts and Broadway has not been approved. 3 Commander Sanchez reiterated that he believes accidents along this stretch of Logan are related to volume rather than speed. Discussion ensued regarding the perception of speed. To Alternate Member Craft's inquiry, Mr. Sanchez advised that Englewood's Speed Watch Program will be initiated the first part of • September on Logan for residents who want to take part. The Program, Mr. Sanchez continued, will allow residents to see first hand that traffic travels, for the most part, in the 30-35 mph range, rather than the perceived 40-45 mph range. Mr. Sanchez discussed selective speed enforcement; officers set a higher threshold on collector streets because speeds can be random, however, residential streets and school zones call for a lower threshold. Mr. Kahm noted Englewood's Speed Pledge Program. • With regard to the Oxford Ave. Traffic Calming Pilot Program, Director Kahm reiterated that staff will be addressing-the shortened left turn lane for westbound motorists turning onto southbound Cherokee. • Director Kahm advised that the COOT overlay project on Hwy. 285 is progressing, noting that recent rains created severe potholes in areas that had been rotomilled west of Broadway, particularly between Elati and Galapago Streets, causing extensive traffic backups as far east as Colorado Blvd. COOT notified radio stations for motorists to avoid this stretch of 285 while several traffic lanes were closed and repairs completed. Englewood received no phone calls from motorists regarding these road conditions and inconveniences. Mr. Kahm stated that COOT patched the potholes and placed a thin overlay over the entire width of the roadway, which will then be followed by another 2.5 inches of asphalt to complete the project. • Director Kahm reminded ETAC Members that a District Meeting and Board/Commission Appreciation Night will take place at 6:00 p.m. on Monday August 22nd at Romans Park. Chairperson's Choice Chair Christie had to issues to bring forward. Committee Members' Choice • Vice-chair Anderson inquired about steps being taken to prevent a police presence from interfering with scheduled speed studies, similar to the incident that recently occurred on Logan and Eastman. Council Liaison Tomasso explained that a request from Council for enforcement crossed with a request for a speed study. Discussion ensued. Staff agreed that the brief time officers were in that area had no effect on the outcome of the second study, however, Mr. Kahm indicated that a third study can be conducted if residents are concerned that the results may have been compromised. • Committee Member Goosman inquired about acceptable noise levels for motorcycles. Commander Sanchez stated he recently received some information on this subject, and needs to obtain an interpretation from the City Attorney on whether or not officers, who are not equipped with noise meters, have the authority to ticket motorcyclists who appear, in the officers' judgment, to have an altered muffler system. • Alternate Member Craft observed that, while driving eastbound on Oxford Ave. toward Broadway from Santa Fe Drive, he felt a need to accelerate to reach Broadway after passing through the new traffic calming zone. • Mr. Craft also expressed concern with motorists not using a turn signal while driving the roundabout. • Brief discussion ensued. 4 • • • • Council Liaison Tomasso offered, for Members' review, a copy of a list of meetings for the Proposed Southwest Corridor Bus and Light Rail Service Plan . Mr. Tomasso reported that the Skerritt House was recently sold to a chiropractor. The chiropractor would like to see South Bannock St. converted to two way traffic south of Hwy. 285. Members recalled that this issued was visited by ETAC in 2003. Brief discussion ensued. • Noting that his name and contact information is now included on the ETAC Member Roster, Commander Sanchez encouraged everyone to contact him when the need arises rather than waiting until the next scheduled ETAC meeting. Council Liaison Tomasso noted a median sign laying down on Broadway at Cornell Ave. in front of Jeff's Automotive. Adjournment There being no further bus iness, the meeting was adjourned at 8:33 p.m. Linda Wilks, Recording Secretary 5 City of Englewood VISITOR SIGN-UP SHEET ENGLEWOOD TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE Regular Meeting, 6:30 p.m. August 11, 2005 Englewood Civic Center City Council Conference Room, 3rd Floor .• -,J4.,; ¥:1:";~~jJ'.'&?::t_' ~h::~-~~~)~~; ~~t~ {J""'~ 1'," -· ~ '.t~~~~r · ~Pl , i;{~~· . 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