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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-02-09 TAC MINUTESCity of Englewood, Colorado ENGLEWOOD TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING Minutes of February 9, 2006 The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Transportation Advisory Committee was called to order by Chair Christie at 6:35 p.m. in the City Council Conference Room at the City of Englewood Civic Center. (Secretary's note: Recording Secretary Wilks was not present this evening; the meeting was recorded by Engineering Tech. I Dye.) Members Present: Joe Christie, Chair Betty Goosman Daryl Kinton Mark Craft Danielle Gregory, Alternate Member Ray Tomasso, Council Liaison Rick Kahm, Director of Public Works, ex officio Members Absent: David Anderson, Vice-chair A quorum was present. Also Present: Ladd Vostry, Traffic Engineer Jerry Lancaster, GIS Analyst Roy Dye, Engineering Tech. I Commander Jeff Sanchez Approval of Minutes Chair Christie asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of January 12, 2006. There being none, a motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes as presented. With all Members present voting aye, the motion passed. Chair Christie welcomed Danielle Gregory, who has been appointed by City Council to serve as ETAC's Alternate Member. It was also noted that Committee Members Anderson, Craft, and Goosman have been reappointed, now serving four year terms. Public Comment Ms. Erin Manning was present this evening (a visitor sign in sheet was not provided), as co-owner of the Skerritt House at 3560 S. Bannock St., to discuss some parking concerns at that location. Ms. Manning noted that Bannock St. is a southbound, one way, two lane roadway with parking allowed only along the west side of the street. Ms. Manning and her partner have renovated the Skerritt House, and have installed a paved parking lot to accommodate clients of their chiropractic business. Residents of the adjacent apartment houses have now begun using the parking lot, Ms. Manning believes, because of the lack of parking on the street. Hoping it won't become necessary to post tow away zone signs, Ms. Manning asked, as an alternative, that ETAC consider recommending changing the 3500 block of South Bannock to a one lane, one way street so that parking could also be allowed on the east side of the street to accommodate residents and their visitors. 1 Director Kahm opined that Bannock south of S.H. 285 south will most likely always remain a one way street because of the conflict with traffic from S.H. 285. Since the volume of traffic from 285 onto Bannock has been significantly reduced over time, however, Mr. Kahm suggested that parking on both the east and west sides of Bannock could probably be accomplished, and that lane lines on both sides would help to reduce the speed of traffic coming off of S.H. 285. Mr. Kahm stated that a petition, and Committee Members agreed, would be needed for property owners on Bannock between S.H. 285 and Kenyon Ave. Ms. Manning agreed to circulate the petition but noted that most residents on the block are renters, not property owners. Mr. Kahm said that a petition form will be prepared through the City Clerk's office, and the City will provide a list of property owners, as well. Brief discussion ensued. Ms. Manning thanked ETAC for hearing her concerns. Old Business Director Kahm asked that the first item for discussion under Old Business, discussion regarding a 25 mph speed limit, be postponed until Commander Sanchez is present, in the next few minutes. Committee concurred. • With regards to ETAC's web page, recent accomplishments, Traffic Engineer Vostry noted that Vice- chair Anderson emailed the office advising that he will prepare a paragraph for discussion at the March ETAC meeting regarding the completed traffic calming efforts on Logan St. GIS Analyst Lancaster noted that he continues to work on the resources link page. • As discussed at the January ETAC meeting, a resident living on Dartmouth Ave. near University Blvd. approached City Council with a request that sidewalk be installed along the south side of Dartmouth between Vine St. and University Blvd. City Council requested that staff work with the resident regarding this issue. The resident was concerned with pedestrian traffic and children in the neighborhood. Thus far, the resident has circulated a survey to his neighbors, seven residents were in favor, two neutral, one opposed, and two concerned with landscaping. Director Kahm provided some history regarding Englewood's policy for construction of sidewalk, curbs and gutters. The policy establishes that adjacent property owners are responsible for the cost of installing, repairing, and replacing the concrete on the right-of-way adjacent to their property. Most right-of-way concrete in the City was installed through special improvement districts and the cost was assessed to adjacent property owners. There are a number of sections of sidewalk, curb and gutter, although few, in the City that were never constructed because, in most cases, adjacent property owners did not want to pay the expense. In recent years, the opportunity was presented through DRCOG to receive some matching grant funds to install sidewalk where sidewalk did not exist, particularly along state highways. In 2001, staff identified sixteen locations in Englewood that did not have sidewalk, for which the Sidewalk Missing Links Program was established and City Council agreed to budget funds each year. Nine of the sixteen missing links have, thus far, been constructed. Through DRCOG's matching grant funds program, the City has installed sidewalk along Broadway south of Belleview, along Belleview between Broadway and Windermere St., along University between Dartmouth and S.H. 285, and along S.H. 285 between Lafayette and Clarkson Streets, among other locations. Mr. Kahm opined that, in these instances, 2 adjacent property owners were not required to pay for the cost because, in many cases, the sidewalks run along the property sideyard and are used only by the general public, the State snow plows damage the walkways, and, additionally, because of the matching funds from DRCOG. Mr. Kahm opined that, although past history shows that the expense of right-of-way concrete construction has been paid by adjacent property owners, City Council accepted the Sidewalk Missing Links concept in order to complete any missing right-of-way concrete connections. Since the missing section along the north side of Dartmouth Ave. between Dartmouth Circle and University was included on the list of Missing Links, Mr. Kahm commented that he is unsure of the reason that the section on the south side of Dartmouth wasn't also included. Discussion ensued regarding Concrete Utility fees, sidewalk width, budget cuts that have reduced available funding for Missing Links, attached vs. detached sidewalk, maintenance of walkways, trees and shrubs that may be affected by sidewalk installation along this stretch, etc. Mr. Kahm has asked for ETAC's input in this request for sidewalk because of the pedestrian traffic involvement, and stated that it could be somewhat controversial because there are some residents along this stretch who do not want sidewalk adjacent to their property. If ETAC accepts this task, it would be appropriate to invite these residents to a public forum for discussion regarding their interest in sidewalk installation and issues that may affect them. Following brief discussion, Committee Members agreed they would like to have the residents invited to take part in a public forum to gather their input and ideas regarding this topic. To Alternate Member Gregory's inquiry, Mr. Kahm estimated it would cost around $50,000 to install sidewalk along this stretch of Dartmouth Ave. Mr. Kahm noted that, since this piece is not currently included in the Sidewalk Missing Links Program, City Council may wish to first complete some of the remaining seven areas that are on the list, adding, however, that some locations are actually located in some rather remote areas of town that could possibly be scheduled later in time. Brief discussion ensued regarding the status of the City's budget. Mr. Kahm stated that invitations will be sent to the property owners to attend a public forum at the March ETAC meeting. New Business There was no New Business to bring forward. Director's Choice • Traffic Engineer Vestry reported that, in response to Committee Member Craft's inquiry at the December ETAC meeting, the countdown pedestrian signals on Broadway at Floyd, Girard (Englewood Parkway) and Old Hampden Avenues have now been installed and are operational. Mr. Vestry advised that countdown pedestrian signals will also be installed at Girard and Clarkson for Craig Hospital, and on Belleview Ave. for Pirates Cove patrons. • With regard to the electronic speed sign located on Quincy Ave. at Jason Park, Mr. Vostry stated that speed studies indicate that the speed along this stretch of Quincy Ave. maintains an s5th percentile speed of 32 mph for westbound travel , and asked for ETAC's approval that the sign not be relocated at this time as was discussed at the January ETAC meeting. Mr. Vestry stated that prior to installing the sign, the average speed was in the 36-37 mph range . Mr. Vestry reiterated that speed studies are scheduled again in the 3 spring for Quincy Ave. as well as Jason St. Committee Members agreed to postpone relocation of the sign until speed studies are conducted again in the spring. • Traffic Engineer Vostry advised that he met with the Malley Center Trust Fund Committee regarding the proposed pedestrian crossing on Lincoln St. to accommodate Malley Center patrons. The plan calls for placement of a neck-down at the Malley Center entrance on the east side of Lincoln St., as well as a handicap ramp on the west side of the street along with a walkway through the landscaped strip to allow easy pedestrian access to the parking lot when crossing the st reet. The cost is estimated to be around $25,000 and will be paid through funding requested by the Parks and Recreation Department. This proposal replaces the original request to construct a cul-de-sac on Lincoln. To Committee Member Craft's inquiry, Director Kahm stated that the neck-down structure should not interfere with parking and passenger loading zones along Lincoln. • Director Kahm distributed copies of an article that appeared in a recent edition of the Colorado Municipalities Magazine regarding traffic calming features tha t are be ing established in cities in Colorado . Throughout the article , Mr. Vostry highlighted features and practices in various cities that have been in effect in Englewood for some time. Mr. Kahm noted the importance of modifying driver behav ior, and the success of the Speed Pledge Program. • With Commander Sanchez now present, discussion proceeded, under Old Business, with an update on consideration for Implementing a 25 mph speed limit on res idential streets in Englewood. Council Liaison Tomasso stated that, when campaigning for election to City Council , a number of citizens spoke with him about lowering the speed limit because of excessive speed in residential neighborhoods . Initially, in 2002 , City Council Members requested information regarding a group called "Keep Kids Alive Drive 25 ®"· Afte r much discussion at that time, ETAC recommended to City Council that the speed limit in Englewood be reduced to 25 mph. To initiate the new speed limit, the cost was estimated to be around $100,000. Mr. Tomasso advised that, recently revisiting the possibility of lowering the speed limit with City Council resulted in Council's rejection of the installation if the cost remained at that level. Director Kahm noted speed limits in other jurisdictions, i.e. Denver with a speed limit of 25 mph has an 85th percentile speed of 28-29 mph, which is slightly under Englewood's 85th percentile of 30 mph; Wheat Ridge 85th percentile of 32 mph. The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Dev ices (MUTCD) stipulates that speed limits should be posted when the proposed speed limit is considered to be unreasonable. The MUTCD also stipulates that, prior to establishing a new speed limit, a speed study should be conducted to determine the 85th percentile speed and the new speed limit be set at that speed. Mr. Kahm opined that, if Englewood reduces its speed to 25 mph, it would be necessary to sign the neighborhoods with the new speed limit. Mr. Kahm said that, although he did not recommend to City Council , in his memo dated January 26, 2006, that the speed limit be lowered at this time, he does believe there would be some impact in speed if 25 mph signage were posted in the City. However, unless manpower is available for enforcement, posting a lowered speed limit would place an unfair burden on Safety Services . Commander Sanchez reiterated that, in an effort to reduce the number of accidents, his four traffic officers concentrate their efforts on main accident locations, i.e., Santa Fe, Broadway, S.H. 285, as well as 4 . . some of the collector streets. Discussion ensued regarding driving habits and motorists comfort levels with speed in various areas of town. Mr. Sanchez commented that the majority of accidents are not caused by excessive speed, but rather by a distraction of some kind, i.e., cell phones, or when a car turns in front of another car, or runs a red light, etc. Traffic Engineer Vostry learned, in speaking with other jurisdictions, that other enforcement agencies in the metro area are also concentrating their efforts on collector and arterial streets. Additionally, other jurisdictions follow the same procedures as Englewood regarding speed signage and issuing citations. Mr. Vostry agreed with Mr. Kahm that, should Englewood change to a 25 mph speed limit city-wide, it would be necessary to post the speed limit in order for the court system to uphold citations for speeds of say 32, 33 mph. Council Liaison Tomasso suggested painting 25 mph on the street at alternate intersections. Mr. Vostry advised, though, that such painting is not regulatory with the MUTCD and, unless it is placed in conjunction with required signage, could not be upheld in court. Mr. Kahm opined that there would be a benefit in posting residential streets at 25 mph whether or not it made a difference in the s5th percentile speed of 30 mph; however, there could not be an increase in enforcement unless the number of patrol officers is increased. Mr. Sanchez stated he is not opposed to residential streets being 25 mph because he believes the natural inclination is for people to drive 25-30 mph anyway, it almost self-regulates itself in most areas, but reiterated the importance of having adequate resources to enforce changes in speed limits. Chair Christie commented that, from what he has seen, he does not believe that lowering the speed limit to 25 mph will be effective, and agreed that it will not affect the s5th percentile speed, that people drive the speed at which they are comfortable. Mr. Sanchez opined that driving behavior is progressively getting worse, and because current enforcement is relatively inefficient in terms of addressing speeding, red light camera or photo radar camera enforcement will ultimately be put into effect one day in Englewood, similarly to what is currently taking place in some other jurisdictions. Discussion ensued regarding camera enforcement in other parts of the world, traffic fines, etc. Committee Members agreed to postpone making a recommendation to City Council until the March ETAC meeting to allow time to study and consider alternatives that may be available to address speeding concerns and enforcement. Discussion ensued regarding camera enforcement, costs, legal issues, etc. Mr. Christie stated he will contact Vice-chair Anderson in preparation for follow up discussion at the March ETAC meeting and possible recommendation to Council. Chairperson's Choice Chair Christie had no concerns to bring forward. Committee Members' Choice • Council Liaison Tomasso advised that, during a recent joint School Board and City Council meeting, the Student School Board Representative inquired if the City can contact RTD and request that they provide a 5 bus loop off of the Evans Light Rail Station to the Colorado's Finest Alternative High School, at Baker Ave. and Zuni St., to accommodate students of the School who currently walk from the School to the light rail station, sometimes as late as 9:30 at night. The bus loop would also help to encourage school enrollment. Mr. Tomasso stated they are looking for drop off times at the School of 7:45 and 8:45 a.m. and pick ups from the School at 12:45 and 1:45 p.m., and then the evening sessions with a 3:15 drop off and an 8:30 p.m. pick up. Committee Member Kinton, as RTD Board Member representing the area south of Hampden Ave., noted that this is currently being done at some areas in Denver, and stated he will speak with the RTD Board Member who represents the area that encompasses the School. Mr. Tomasso, for Committee Members' information, relayed that discussions are taking place, in conjunction with current negations regarding the Sheridan Redevelopment Project as it affects the Englewood Golf Course, to ensure that bike trail construction will be accommodated adjacent to the proposed reconfigured golf course. • In response to Committee Member Craft's inquiry, Director Kahm stated that he will have staff look into the possibility of having a cable junction box moved, as it currently blocks the vision of westbound drivers on Floyd Ave. making a turn into the alley behind Simon Center. Brief discussion ensued. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:03 p.m. Linda Wilks, Recording Secretary 6 . .