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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-06-08 TAC MINUTES• • • City of Englewood, Colorado ENGLEWOOD TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING Minutes of June 8, 2006 The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Transportation Advisory Committee was called to order by Chair Anderson at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Conference Room at the City of Englewood Civic Center. Members Present: David Anderson, Chair Betty Goosman, Vice-chair Daryl Kinton Mark Craft Danielle Gregory Ray Tomasso, Council Liaison Rick Kahm, Director of Public Works, ex officio Members Absent: None A quorum was present. Also Present: Ladd Vostry, Traffic Engineer Linda Wilks, Recording Secretary Police Officer Erik Lutz See attached sign-in sheet Approval of Minutes Chair Anderson asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of May 11, 2006. There being none, a motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes as presented. With one abstention from Committee Member Gregory, the motion passed. Public Comment Jeannette Davis, 3333 S. Lincoln St., was present to discuss her concerns with drivers using cell phones. Noting that left hand turns from westbound Floyd to southbound Broadway are illegal, Ms. Davis stated that, while she and her grandson were crossing Broadway at Floyd Ave. recently, a motorist, using a cell phone, was making a turn at this location, coming close to hitting her and her grandson. Ms. Davis opined that the driver was too involved in her phone conversation to realize that she was making an illegal turn. Ms. Davis stated she would like to see something done to outlaw drivers using cell phones before someone is injured or killed at this location. Chair Anderson stated that the State would govern laws pertaining to cell phone usage. Traffic Engineer Vostry advised that westbound left turns were restricted at this intersection a number of years ago because of pedestrian safety. He noted that two overhead no left turn signs, plus pavement markings, are posted to alert motorists of this restriction. Officer Lutz commented that the police try to pay attention to this location because of the potential hazard, however it's a "hit or miss" situation when detecting violators. Discussion ensued regarding . possible changes to the traffic signal. Mr. Vostry advised that staff is looking for appropriate signage that would enhance visibility of the no left turn restriction. Ms. Davis thanked the Committee for their time. The meeting recessed at 6:39 p.m. for a tour of the traffic control office . The meeting reconvened at 7:02 p.m. Old Business Director Kahm, with regard to DRCOG's efforts to update their long-range pedestrian and bicycle transportation plan, advised that Community Development represented the City at a public forum held on April 26th. Copies of a memorandum to ETAC from Community Development staff were distributed to Members, which provided an overview of that meeting. Mr. Kahm noted that the bike trail section adjacent to the Denny's Restaurant off of S.H. 285 will be completed later this summer. New Business Committee Member Gregory reported that, in spite of the additional traffic control measures that were installed on Logan St. at Eastman Ave., another accident has occurred. Traffic Engineer Vostry stated that this accident involved a senior citizen who stopped at the stop sign on Eastman, did not see oncoming traffic, and proceeded eastbound through the intersection, hitting a northbound vehicle. Director's Choice • With regard to recent discussions pertaining to a single car accident that took place in the 2700 block of S. Elati St., Traffic Engineer Vostry advised that speed studies have been completed in that area as well as the 2700 block of S. Delaware St. The studies showed that the average speed on this stretch of Elati St. is 25 mph, with an s5 th percentile speed of 29 mph. Mr. Vostry researched the accident history on this stretch of Elati for the past 10 years, and found that only a total of five accidents have occurred over that time • period, several of which were alcohol related. • Mr. Vostry noted that the speed study for the 2700 block of S. Delaware, conducted simultaneously with the study on Elati St., showed an average speed for northbound traffic of 29 mph and an s5 th percentile speed of 33 mph; for southbound traffic, the average speed was 27 mph with an s5t h percentile speed of 30 mph . Director Kahm noted that these speeds are in line with expected speeds on residential streets. Brief discussion ensued. • Director Kahm, referring to previous discussions with ETAC regarding installing 25 mph speed limits on Englewood residential streets, stated that the budget process is approaching, and this would be the time to apply for funding through the Public Improvement Fund (PIF). Mr. Kahm stated that it is uncertain whether or not funding would be available, however, he would like to discuss this program with City Council for inclusion in the 2007 budget. Mr. Kahm explained that the first priority for PIF funding is maintaining the existing infrastructure, i.e., paving programs, transportation system improvement programs, etc. Should additional funding be available, it is possible that City Council would approve the estimated $100,000- $110,000 needed to revise the speed limit in Englewood. Continuing to support this program, ETAC Members approved of Mr. Kahm bringing it before Council. Brief discussion ensued regarding proposed revenue producing developments that are expected in Englewood in the near future. • With regard to an application that was submitted for RTD's 5 year capital and service project plan, wherein Englewood requested bus pad construction, as well as bus service for Colorado's Finest Alternative 2 • • • • High School (CFAHS), Traffic Engineer Vostry advised that RTD will conduct a service analysis to determine . funding distribution. Mr. Vostry was advised by RTD that Englewood's application appeared to be in line for receiving bus pads sometime between 2007 and 2012 . Mr. Vostry added that, at this time, determination is uncertain regarding providing bus service to the CFAHS. Committee Member Kinton explained that providing new bus service is prioritized based on areas that have no service vs. areas such as Englewood where established service routes are provided. • Director Kahm informed Members that their question pertaining to red light cameras will be considered for inclusion in the upcoming citizen survey. The City Manager's office advised that a staff committee will be reviewing the survey and make preliminary recommendations to City Council in late July, including any additional questions. • Copies were distributed of a memorandum dated March 30, 2006 from Engineering staff to City Council, which provides an overview of construction of the Big Dry Creek Trail. Mr. Kahm noted that owners of two properties between Fox St. and Lehow Ave. have declined the City's request to purchase easements that are needed to complete that segment of the trail, however an alternate on-street route has been approved to complete the link to Broadway. Because certain grants for funding contain conditions stipulating that trails be constructed without condemning land, eminent domain is not an option with this project. The section of trail from Broadway eastward is currently under construction. Mr. Kahm reiterated that funding will be available sometime between 2007 and 2012 for bridge construction at Dartmouth and the South Platte River, and also at the Englewood Golf Course to separate the golfers from the Little Dry Creek bike trail. Brief discussion ensued . Chairperson's Choice Chair Anderson observed that a van, for several days, has been parked in the 2800 block of S. Logan St., blocking vision of the electronic speed sign. Traffic Engineer Vostry said he will investigate. Committee Members' Choice • Committee Member Goosman, referring to a topic discussed by ETAC in 2003-2004, inquired whether or not go-peds are allowed on the streets. Council Liaison Tomasso responded that go-peds are not allowed on sidewalks, but are allowed on streets posting a speed limit no greater than 35 mph. Ms. Goosman stated that several kids on go-peds have been traveling the streets in her neighborhood. • To Committee Member Craft's inquiry, Director Kahm advised that equipment has been ordered for the planned traffic calming project adjacent to the Malley Center, and placement is expected to begin in late July. • With regard to busses in the neighborhood around the Connex facility, which was recently purchased by Veolia Transportation Services, Committee Member Kinton advised ETAC, as an "FYI", that bus noise, fumes and traffic issues are escalating in the adjacent Denver neighborhoods. Residents in both Denver and Englewood have been contacting RTD board members regarding these issues. Mr. Kinton stated that a sub- committee is meeting next week to begin discussing these concerns. Mr. Kinton opined that City Councils from both Denver and Englewood will ultimately be involved. Mr. Kinton will keep ETAC advised. 3 Mr. Kahm recalled that Connex initially moved to this Englewood location with only 40 busses, and they have now progressed to 120 busses. Mr. Kahm continued that the City has worked extensively with Connex to reroute the busses off of the residential areas of Zuni St., and to make other adjustments and arrangements with Connex to help satisfy the surrounding residential neighborhoods. Discussion ensued. • Officer Lutz reported that Englewood Safety Services recently participated in the national "click-it or ticket" campaign. Nine Englewood officers participated in the two week campaign. Since Colorado does not recognize the failure to use seat belts as a primary violation, officers could not make traffic stops based solely on that violation; when traffic stops were made for other violations for which they could issue warnings or citations, tickets could then be issued for failure to wear seat belts. Officer Lutz noted that Colorado does, however, recognize seat belt violations as primary in cases involving 16 and 17 year old drivers, and also when a child is not restrained in a car seat. Englewood ranked 4th out of 22 cities and counties taking part in the campaign, having issued 240 non primary (seat belt violations) traffic tickets. Officer Lutz opined that Colorado, at some point in the near future, will recognize seat belt violations as primary violations. Brief discussion ensued. Adjournment Chair Anderson thanked Traffic Engineer Vostry for providing Members with a tour of the traffic control office. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:03 p.m. Linda Wilks, Recording Secretary 4 • • • • • • . City of Englewood VISITOR SIGN-UP SHEET ENGLEWOOD TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE Regular Meeting, 6:30 p.m. June 8, 2006 Englewood Civic Center City Council Conference Room, 3rd Floor _, .. • ,,_., NAME ADDRESS ,• PHONE ; ·:~•,-,·•t ' n /, ~tfi:' >-J-'4J' M .,,.rt,t!'/i ~ ~ /)f ,b/ /-4.~;2 _;5:5?3 2i~ -f~~ 11??1"3 /'..:i.c:1 -y_g3 ·?J;g_s v ~ 1