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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-09-08 TAC MINUTESCity of Englewood, Colorado ENGLEWOOD TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMmEE MEETING Minutes of September 8, 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 Lia ison Rick Kahm , Director of Public Works, ex officio Members Absent: Daryl Kinton Regi Maclaren A quorum was present. Also Present: Je r ry Lancaster, GIS Analyst Ladd Vostry, Traffic Engineer Li nda Wilks, Rec o rding Secretary Commander Jeff Sanchez See attached sign-in sheet Approval of Minutes e Cha ir Christie asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of August 11, 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 Rich Walsh , 3210 S. Logan St., introduced himself, and stated that he and a group of his neighbors are present this even ing to discuss their concerns regarding traffic calming measures for Logan St. between Dartmouth and Floyd Avenues. Mr. Walsh stated they would like to revisit the four options they presented to ETAC at the August meeting, i.e., 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 dig ital speed signs on Logan St. between Yale and Hampden Avenues. Br ief introductions of staff and ETAC Members were made. Director Kahm noted that a third speed study was conducted on Logan St. between Dartmouth and Floyd Avenues because of residents' concern that police presence may have compromised the results of the first two studies. Copies of the speed study summary were distributed to visitors and ETAC Members. Mr. Kahm reiterated that the brief police presence, approximately 7 minutes, during the second study did not compromise the results. Mr. Kahm stated that the outcome of the third study indicates that the 85th percentile speed along this stretch of Logan is in the 36-37 mph range, wh ich is similar to other collector streets in the city. Referring to a publication from Douglas County regarding traffic calming, Mr. Kahm agreed that physical structures do not have a great impact on slowing traffic, and that when traffic is obstructed in one neighborhood, it will move to another. Further, Mr. Kahm continued, modifying driver behavior is the first step in slowing traffic, followed by the three E's -Education, Engineering, and Enforcement. Mr. Kahm discussed the typical speeding practices of motorists city, state, and nation wide. The City's Speed Watch and Speed Pledge Programs were also discussed. Mr. Kahm noted that the Speed Pledge Program is very effective on residential streets, but less effective on collector streets because of the volume of pass-through traffic. Mr. Kahm maintained that staff does not support physical constrictions, such as speed bumps, for controlling traffic, as they have proven to be detrimental to Safety Services responses, motorcyclists, etc. Mr. Kahm reviewed "soft approach" traffic calming that was recently installed by the City on East Dartmouth Ave., and on West Oxford Avenue, noting that the medians on Oxford Ave. help to channel traffic on that 56 ft. wide roadway, and the painted parking lane lines help to focus drivers on the traffic lane. Additionally, the radar speed signs on Logan at Bates Ave. and on Inca St. have proven to be effective. Mr. Kahm reviewed the accident history and speed study results on Logan St. between Dartmouth and Floyd Avenues, stating that there does not appear to be a correlation between speed and accidents that have occurred at Logan and Eastman over the past six years. Eight of the 12 accidents involved westbound vehicles stopping before attempting to cross Logan, and ultimat ely colliding with southbound vehicles on Logan; these accidents were not speed related. Traffic Engineer Vestry explained the types of accidents listed on the Crash History sheet for Logan and Eastman: B4 accidents are pedestrian related; BS, broadside accidents; B7, rear end accidents; B12, parked cars hit by moving vehicles; B28, moving vehicles hit curb. Mr. Kahm noted that there could be a sight distance obstruction for westbound vehicles at Logan, possibly due to the tree near the northeast corner as well as high profile vehicles parked near the intersection both north and south of Eastman. Resident Dane Stephenson, 3101 S. Logan St., inquired about the accident history for the Dartmouth and Logan intersection. Traffic Engineer Vestry stated that 2 vehicle accidents have been reported through June of 2005, 6 accidents in 2004, 2 accidents in 2003, and 14 accidents in 2002. Mr. Vestry noted that the traffic signals at this intersection were upgraded because of the high number of accidents in 2002. Discussion ensued regarding statistics, modification of signal timing, driver behavior, etc. Resident Danielle Gregory, 3182 S. Logan St., wondered why the speed limit on a major arterial such as Broadway is posted with the same 30 mph as is posted on Logan St., which is residential. Mr. Vestry explained that the majority of Broadway is posted at 35 mph, with the exception of Downtown Englewood, a high pedestrian area, which is posted at 30 mph. Discussion ensued. To Ms. Gregory's inquiry, Mr. Kahm explained that, in 2002/2003, ETAC looked into, and recommended to City Council that the speed limit in the City of Englewood be lowered to 25 mph. City Council rejected lowering the speed limit because there would be little compliance by motorists, and, additionally, because of the cost to change out the existing signage in the City. Commander Sanchez warned of the consequences of posting a speed limit too low for the circumstances because motorists will continue to drive the speed at which they are comfortable, and the problems resulting from an artificially set speed limit will then be 2 transferred to the police force which does not have the resources to enforce the added responsibility. Resident Lori Merriman, 3211 S. Logan St., noted her observation that eastbound and westbound motorists on Eastman do not observe the stop signs posted at Logan St., and this has resulted in a number of broadside accidents. She believes that speed, along with not observing stop signs, visibility problems at this intersection, and the downhill grade from both Dartmouth and Floyd to Eastman all contribute to this accident prone area. Discussion ensued regarding the pros and cons associated with installing signalized intersections. Mr. Vostry reiterated the importance of being consistent in placing traffic controls, i.e., signage, signals, etc., where warrants exist for those devices, otherwise they are ignored by a high percentage of motorists. Mr. Kahm reviewed speed control and pedestrian crossings that have been implemented on Inca St. through CityCenter Englewood. Mr. Kahm, agreeing that the accidents occurring along this stretch of Logan St. do not appear to be caused by excessive speed, noted some possibilities that he will be recommending for ETAC's consideration, i.e., 1) turning westbound Eastman into a right turn only at Logan St., and 2) painting parking lane lines, which would move traffic closer to the centerline, causing motorists to slow down. Regarding radar speed signs, Mr. Kahm advised that, with the City's current budget considerations, it may not be possible to purchase these devices in the near future, adding, though, that he does believe the signs make an impact on traffic. Vice-chair Anderson suggested that perhaps the original radar speed signs installed on Logan and on Quincy could be rotated to the Eastman and Logan location. Brief discussion ensued. Mr. Vostry observed the speed patterns that have resulted from the traffic calming efforts recently installed on Oxford Ave. and on Dartmouth Ave. Mr. Vostry stated that, since the Oxford Traffic Calming was only recently completed, a study will be conducted in the near future, however he has observed that 20 mph speeds through the school zone on Oxford are difficult to maintain for westbound motorists because of its location at the bottom of the Oxford hill. Dartmouth Ave., however, between Downing St. and University Blvd., is a level roadway, and a recent speed study shows that the 35th percentile speed has dropped from 35 mph to 30 mph for westbound traffic (note that installation of a westbound radar speed sign was included in the traffic calming effort). The s5 th percentile speed for eastbound, however, has remained in the 35-36 mph range. Discussion ensued regarding calculations of the speed studies. Mr. Walsh continued discussion regarding residents' traffic related concerns and the previously mentioned four solutions being proposed by the group to minimize accidents in this area. Mr. Walsh reviewed, in detail, the accidents that have occurred in the last couple of years. Mr. Christie interjected that traffic signals, stop signs, etc., are installed at locations meeting national warrants, which are established guidelines in the Manual on Unified Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), for that type of traffic control. Considerable discussion ensued regarding CityCenter speed limits vs. city-wide speed limits, accidents taking place as a result of the traffic signal installed at Dartmouth Ave. and Elati St., increase in accidents resulting from traffic light installation where warrants are not met, commuter traffic vs. residential traffic, the effectiveness of painting lane lines, the high cost of installing traffic signals, safer methods of crossing the busier streets (i.e., crossing at signaled intersections), etc. 3 Mr. Kahm reiterated his consideration to install right-turn-only movement for westbound traffic on Eastman at Logan, using signage and a "pork chop" island that would prevent westbound motorists from crossing Logan. Mr. Kahm explained that this would be a pilot program, similar to that recently installed on Oxford Ave. Commander Sanchez suggested the possibility of also restricting parking on the southeast side of Logan within a certain number of feet of Eastman. For residents' benefit, Vice-chair Anderson explained that the MUTCD was established to develop a nation-wide plan for traffic flow, i.e., same kinds of roadway striping, signage, signals, etc., from coast to coast. Mr. Kahm noted that City Council would be required to pass an ordinance to install a traffic signal at locations that have not met the established national warrants. Mr. Vostry added that the MUTCD standards must be followed to prevent other neighborhoods from requesting similar installations where warrants are not met. Some emotional discussion took place regarding the inability to prevent accidents from happening, the street crossing practices of pedestrians, as well as the two most recent traffic accidents that occurred near Logan and Eastman, one involving the death of an elderly woman in 2000, the second involving the dismemberment of the leg of a young man driving a motorcycle in 2005. To Mr. Stephenson 's inquiry, Chair Christie advised that ETAC Members will not be making specific recommendations this evening, that concerns of this magnitude are not solved overnight. ETAC, Mr. Christie continued, is taking steps to process the information received from this group of residents and come up with a solution to these difficult situations. Mr. Christie asked the residents to allow ETAC the time to carefully consider the possibilities available to them and make a recommendation for City Council's consideration. Mr. Christie added that, given warrant and budget considerations, he does not believe installing a traffic signal at Logan and Eastman is realistic at this time, and asked that residents work with ETAC and staff to determine acceptable and viable options to reduce future accidents. Mr. Kahm discussed budget concerns currently under consideration by City staff and administration. Mr. Christie asked staff and ETAC Members to consider some options for this stretch of Logan St. that can be discussed at the October ETAC meeting. Mr. Christie stated that, realistically, ETAC should have a recommendation prepared for City Council within two to three months. Mr. Vostry reiterated the sight distance concerns that are caused by vehicles parked on Logan north and south of Eastman, and suggested, as a short term solution, that residents attending tonight's meeting speak with other neighbors regarding alternative parking locations to lessen the possibility of accidents for westbound motorists crossing Logan. The large white van consistently parked north of Eastman is of particular concern. Mr. Vostry suggested that the owner of the van could trade parking with her neighbor to the north, which would move the van out of the sight distance triangle. Mr. Kahm advised that, should ETAC recommend painting parking lane lines, installing radar speed signs, installing a "pork chop" island at Eastman, etc., it could be a number of months before installation of these items takes place. Mr. Kahm added that Mr. Vostry's suggestion to temporarily reduce parking near the intersection may be helpful in the interim. 4 Mr. Kahm noted that Englewood has an exchange of services with the City of Westminster, wherein Englewood provides Westminister with rotomilling services, and Westminster, in turn, provides Englewood with line painting services. Mr. Vostry stated that, typically, Westminster provides their line painting services in the Spring of each year, but said he will check their schedule for painting in the Fall. Should ETAC determine that line painting on Logan would, in fact, help to curb the speed of motorists, Englewood may have to contract the job if our timing does not coincide with Westminster's painting schedule. Contracting for line painting would cost the City in the ne ighborhood of $1,800 for the two blocks on Logan. Commander Sanchez acknowledged the passion extended by this group of residents as well as his own traffic related passion, stating that his only desire is to provide the solutions that will best address their concerns, to their satisfaction as well as the City's, and working together will provide the best result. Brief discussion ensued regarding conduct of the speed studies. Departing the meeting, the group of residents expressed their thanks to ETAC and staff for hearing and addressing their concerns, adding that they will be in touch. Staff and ETAC Members briefly continued discussion regarding the concerns of this group of residents. Mr. Kah m r eiterated-his belief that unwarranted traffic control causes accidents. Old Business With regard to ETAC's web page, GIS Analyst Lancaster distributed copies of a draft layout for recent accomplishments that were implemented as a result of ETAC study and recommendations. Pictures and text of recent projects were included in the layout. Additionally, Mr. Lancaster included a list of useful links to outside agencies that will be available on the web page; other links can be included as they are identified. Mr. Lancaster stated he will email a draft description for the recent accomplishments page to Chair Christie for editing. Mr. Christie noted that he will then copy ETAC Members for input. Discussion ensued regarding the layout of pictures to be included on the web page. New Business There was no New Business for discussion. Director's Choice • Director Kahm stated that copies of an email from Dane Stephenson, along with Commander Sanchez' response , were distributed this evening regarding the Eastman/Logan traffic studies and asked that ETAC Members take note of the contents. At Vice-chair Anderson's request, Mr. Kahm advised that he will prepare a "shopping list" of possible solutions for ETAC Members to consider at the October meeting, along with estimated costs, to reduce accidents at Logan St. and Eastman Ave. Members concurred. Discussion ensued regarding placement of radar speed signs. Chair Christie requested that the option of moving the Quincy Ave. radar speed sign to southbound Logan St. be included on the "shopping list". Mr. Kahm stated that, before placing a "pork chop" island at Eastman and Logan, a petition should be circulated among the residents in that area, and that perhaps the group of residents attending tonight's meeting would be willing to circulate the_petition. 5 Council Member Tomasso stated that residents on Dartmouth Ave. have asked that the radar speed sign on Dartmouth Ave. be dimmed at night; Traffic Engineer Vostry advised that an adjustment was recently made to reduce the brightness during nighttime hours. Mr. Vostry reiterated information contained in the Douglas County Public Works statement, prepared by their Director of Public Works, Duane Fellhauer, regarding their position on neighborhood traffic mitigation and traffic calming; copies were distributed to ETAC Members earlier this evening. • Director Kahm expressed concern with the condition of the Hwy. 285 roadway during CDOT's overlay construction project; overlaying one lane per night has caused north/south traffic to maneuver over several ridges of asphalt, slowing traffic considerably. Completion of the overlay portion is expected in another 3 to 4 days. Mr. Kahm credited COOT with working with the City to minimize inconvenience to residents regarding nighttime construction noise, providing motel vouchers if needed, etc. • With regard to the Oxford Ave. Traffic Calm ing Pilot Program, Director Kahm advised that the left turn lane, for wh ich ETAC expressed concern, has been extended for westbound motorists turning onto southbound Cherokee St. Discussion ensued regarding residents' and motorists' satisfaction with the pilot program. • Director Kahm noted the copy contained in ETAC packets of his response to City Council's inquiry regarding possible conversion of Bannock St. south of Hwy. 285 to a two-way street. Chairperson's Choice Chair Christie stated that ETAC received kudos from a resident on Princeton Place for the Oxford Ave. pilot program; the resident suggested placing Speed Enforced by Radar signs below the radar speed signs as an added incentive for motorists. Traffic Engineer Vostry suggested considering adding those same signs to the Dartmouth Ave. radar speed sign, as well. Committee Members' Choice • Relating to a Rocky Mountain News article regarding a reduction in Denver's traffic fines and forfeitures, Council Member Tomasso reviewed Englewood's total traffic infradions in 2004, which came to 8,784, 5,023 of wh ich occurred in the first half of the year; traffic infractions occurring in the first half of 2005 came to 5,949. Traffic offences in Englewood in 2004 totaled 1,439, 865 of which occurred during the first half of the year; 773 traffic offences occurred in the first half of 2005. Commander Sanchez stated that a traffic infradion would be an incident equivalent to speeding, while a traffic offense would be equivalent to driving without a license. Parking offenses in Englewood in 2004 totaled 10,046, 6,242 of which occurred the first half of the year; 4,395 parking offenses occurred in the first half of 2005. Mr. Tomasso was curious about the higher number of traffic citations occurring during the first half of the year. Director Kahm stated that a reduction in traffic offenses around the CityCenter site can be attributed to no RTD parking signage, some booting of vehicles, and the art Shuttle that provides free transportation to available parking at Walmart, as well as at the Acoma and Lincoln St. parking lots. Discussion ensued. • Vice-chair Anderson thanked Mr. Vostry for the crash history report, copies of which were distributed to Members this evening. 6 • Alternate Member Craft expressed appreciation that lane striping has now been placed on Floyd Ave. Mr. Craft stated that some residents of Simon Center have asked about the possibility of extending the schedule for the art Shuttle to include Saturdays. Mr. Kahm noted that there have also been inquiries about extending the hours beyond 6:30 p.m. during the week. Funds to extend the number of days per week or hours per day would have to be provided by the City. Council Member Tomasso stated that the shuttle program was developed through the Community Development Department to run only Monday through Friday. Mr. Kahm advised that funding for the shuttle program was provided by a grant through DRCOG's TEA-21 (Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century). The City hopes that RTD will pick up the program once the grant monies are depleted. Mr. Craft observed that westbound vehicles on Floyd Ave., irregardless of the no left turn restriction, continue to turn onto southbound Broadway, creating unsafe conditions for pedestrians in the Broadway crosswalk. Commander Sanchez stated that motorists continue to make that turn even though the no left turn restriction has been in place since 1992. Brief discussion ensued regarding existing turn restriction markings and other available signage, including an LED no left turn sign that can be placed on the mast arm. Committee Member Goosman noted that, at this same location, eastbound motorists, when waiting to make their left turn onto northbound Broadway, tend to merge into the westbound inside lane of traffic. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:03 p.m. 7 City of Englewood VISITOR SIGN-UP SHEET ENGLEWOOD TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE Regular Meeting, 6:30 p.m. September 8, 2005 Englewood Civic Center City Council Conference Room, 3rd Floor 510 I S L oi..,/hJ J lo l S, )___~j~ 1