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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-03-09 TAC MINUTESCity of Englewood, Colorado ENGLEWOOD TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING Minutes of March 9, 2006 The regular monthly meeting of the Englewood Transportation Advisory Committee was called to order by Chair Christie at 6:36 p.m. in the Community Room at the City of Englewood Civic Center. Members Present: Joe Christie, Chair David Anderson, Vice-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: None A quorum was present. Also Present: Approval of Minutes Dave Henderson, Engineering/Capital Projects Administrator Larry Nimmo, Field Operations Administrator Jerry Lancaster, GIS Analyst Ladd Vostry, Traffic Engineer Linda Wilks, Recording Secretary Commander Jeff Sanchez Chair Christie asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of February 9, 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. Public Comment There were no visitors in attendance . Public Forum There were no citizens present for the scheduled Public Forum to discuss construction of sidewalk on Dartmouth Ave. west of University Blvd. Director Kahm introduced staff members Dave Henderson, Larry Nimmo, and Jerry Lancaster. To Mr. Christie's inquiry, Mr . Nimmo stated that he spoke, by telephone, with four residents from this Dartmouth neighborhood who questioned what effect the installation of sidewalk would have on them. It was noted that all the properties in question are owner-occupied. Mr. Nimmo distributed packets of information to Committee Members illustrating the locations of all identified missing links of sidewalk in the City of Englewood; eight of the sixteen missing links have, thus far, been completed. Reviewing the areas that have been completed, Mr. Nimmo pointed out that the section on the north side of Belleview from Logan St. to Broadway was completed with "slope paving" to cut down on weed and trash issues, adding that this section is technically and legally not a sidewalk, and is so marked, although it does provide a surface for pedestrians other than mud. Mr. Nimmo noted that, while the north side of Dartmouth was included in the initial Sidewalk Missing Links Program, it is not known why the south side was not included. Mr. Nimmo mentioned that sewer lines are currently being installed along this stretch of Dartmouth Ave. to accommodate a development that is being built by University Homes just to the north of the Korean Church on University Blvd.; notices of that construction were mailed to the affected property owners. Mr. Nimmo said he expects that, at some point in time, the Korean Church property will be redeveloped. Mr. Nimmo stated that the original survey, conducted by a resident of Dartmouth a couple of years ago, indicated that there was one resident opposed, eight in favor, two indifferent, and one with landscaping concerns. Mr. Nimmo stated that since notices of the Public Forum were mailed, he has been contacted by the individual who originally opposed construction of sidewalk in this area, and believes the resident has now changed his view, that perhaps it would be for the good of the neighborhood. Additionally, Mr. Nimmo was contacted by a resident who was originally in favor, however now opposed, believing, based on her observation, that the north side of Dartmouth would benefit more people who walk to and from the bus stop situated on the northwest corner of Dartmouth and University, and believing also that installing sidewalk on the north side would be more cost effective. To Vice-chair Anderson's inquiry, Director Kahm stated that, at ETAC's recommendation, he would request the south side of Dartmouth Ave . be added to the Sidewalk Missing Links Program and, at the same time, he would recommend reprioritizing the list of projects, placing the south side of Dartmouth at the top of the list. Brief discussion ensued regarding the existing list of missing links. To Mr. Christie's inquiry, Mr. Nimmo advised that the City replaces trees and shrubs that require removal to allow sidewalk replacement and construction. In these cases, residents are provided a list of choices to replace the removed tree/shrub, and they are professionally planted in a location on the property designated by the resident. Mr. Kahm observed that it appears, from the survey, that at least two-thirds of the residents are in favor of installing sidewalk adjacent to their homes. Brief discussion ensued regarding costs to install the sidewalk, and resulting Concrete Utility costs to the homeowners. Vice-chair Anderson made a motion, seconded by Chair Christie, to recommend to City Council that the south side of east Dartmouth Ave. between Vine St. and University Blvd. be included in the Sidewalk Missing Links Program. Discussion ensued. Mr. Nimmo opined that, once construction begins on the south side, the residents on the north side will want sidewalk constructed adjacent to their homes at the same time. To Committee Member Goosman's inquiry, Mr. Kahm stated he intends to request more funding for the 2007 Missing Links Program if the City's financial health improves. Brief discussion ensued regarding possible challenges dealing with the slope on the north side of Dartmouth when sidewalk is eventually installed. Committee Member Kinton inquired about sidewalks that are detached from the curb and gutter. Mr. Nimmo explained that the 2-3 foot detachment installed in some areas of the City cannot be maintained properly, however 7 foot detachments in other parts of town allow for easy landscaping and maintenance, but, unfortunately, the wider detachment requires more right-of-way than is available in most areas. Walks with wider detachment are normally installed on parkways and avenues with 100 foot rights-of-way. Mr. 2 Kinton expressed his displeasure with the narrow 2 foot 8 inch curbwa/ks that exist in some parts of town, although he stated he understands the restrictions the City has to work with. Chair Christie called for the vote. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Kahm stated he will present this issue to City Council in the near future. Mr. Christie thanked Mr. Nimmo and Mr. Henderson for their time and presentation. Old Business • Chair Christie opened discussion for additional input regarding implementing a 25 mph speed limit in the residential neighborhoods of Englewood. Commander Sanchez noted material from traffipax Traffic Safety Systems regarding camera enforcement that was included in Committee packets. Council Liaison Tomasso clarified that he notified City Council two months ago that a 25 mph speed limit in Englewood is a topic of conversation he has had with members of the community, and, additionally, that it was a topic considered by ETAC in 2002. ETAC recommended, at that time, that City Council approve lowering the speed limit, however Council postponed implementing the 25 mph speed limit pending the outcome of Safety Services' proposal to redirect the activity of the patrol officers into the residential neighborhoods while, at the same time, continuing the current response capability to other urgent calls for service, believing this tactic will better reduce residential speeding over implementing the 25 mph speed limit. Council now suggests that Mr. Tomasso revisit this topic with ETAC, verify whether or not they continue to support implementing a 25 mph speed limit in Englewood, and, if supported by ETAC, to also discuss a means for implementing the speed limit at a lower cost to the City than the estimated $100,000 discussed in 2002. Discussion ensued regarding enforcement in the neighborhoods. Mr. Sanchez stated that officers concentrate their enforcement efforts primarily on collector streets and major arterials, but do include identified problem residential streets, when necessary. Typically, Mr. Sanchez opined, enforcement efforts are not warranted in residential neighborhoods. Mr. Kahm reiterated his previous comments that he believes posting 25 mph speed limit signs on residential streets will lower the speed, adding, however, that signs must be installed in order for enforcement to be effective. From a budget standpoint, Mr. Kahm opined that perhaps City Council could reallocate some funds from another account into the Project Improvement Fund (PIF) to cover sidewalk construction on Dartmouth. Discussion ensued regarding posting of signs in Englewood, speed limits in other jurisdictions, etc. Mr. Christie commented that he does not believe 25 mph, posted or otherwise, will make a big difference in drivers' behavior, and additionally, will put a burden on Safety Services for enforcement. With that said, and, at the same time, recognizing ETAC's mission to make recommendations to City Council, Chair Christie proceeded to make a motion, seconded by Vice-chair Anderson, that ETAC continue to support 25 mph speed limits on residential streets in Englewood. Commander Sanchez opined that lowering the speed limit to 25 mph will likely lower speeds slightly, that even 1 or 2 mph will be progress. Considerable discussion ensued. Chair Christie called for the vote. The motion passed with Members Anderson, Christie and Goosman voting in favor, Members Craft and Kinton opposed. 3 • Vice-chair Anderson distributed copies of a description for inclusion in the recent accomplishments section of ETAC's web page regarding completed traffic calming efforts on Logan St. Brief discussion ensued. Members concurred with Mr. Anderson's description. Mr. Anderson will forward the text file to Recording Secretary Wilks for handling. • Council Liaison Tomasso reviewed a letter from RTD's General Manager, Clarence Marsella pertaining to establishing an RTD bus loop to Colorado's Finest Alternative High School, which was discussed at the February ETAC meeting. Although RTD looked into ETAC's request, they felt that the process of rerouting or adding a route would not be feasible at this time. Committee Member Kinton commented that he received a letter signed by School Board members requesting bus access for students at this location, and stated he will forward the letter to RTD and will follow up with the Board. Brief discussion ensued regarding safety concerns for students needing transportation after evening classes. New Business Chair Christie advised that, although not listed on the agenda, ETAC's Election of Officers generally takes place this time of year. In conjunction with that, Mr. Christie advised that he is moving out of Englewood, and must resign from ETAC. Mr. Christie suggested that officer elections be postponed until the April meeting, reminding Members that the recent ordinance change now calls for Member terms of four years and Officer terms of two years. Mr. Christie said he has very much enjoyed his time serving on the Committee. Discussion ensued regarding requesting City Council to appoint Alternate Member Gregory to fill the newly vacated position. Members expressed their appreciation for Mr. Christie's service. Mr. Kahm presented Committee Members Goosman and Anderson with lapel pins and certificates of reappointment. Director's Choice • Traffic Engineer Vostry, with regard to additional parking on the east side of S. Bannock St. between S.H . 285 and Kenyon Ave., reported that he provided, for circulation, a petition and mailing list of property owners to Ms. Erin Manning, who requested the additional parking, and who is co-owner of the Skerritt House. Mr. Vostry stated he does not know the current status of the petition. To Committee Member Craft's concern, Mr. Vostry advised that parking would be restricted on Bannock for about 100 feet, or as needed, south of S.H. 285. The additional parking on the east side of the street would benefit both businesses and residents in the area. Discussion ensued. • Mr. Vostry, in response to Mr. Craft's inquiry at the February ETAC meeting, advised that the junction box in the alley behind Simon Center is actually a facility that houses power for the decorative street lights on Broadway, as well as controls for the downtown sprinkler system. Mr. Vostry stated that the Parks Division maintains this junction box, and they are now in the process of obtaining some cost quotes for its relocation. The box will be moved to the east approximately 15 feet to alleviate visibility concerns. Chairperson's Choice Chair Christie had no concerns to bring forward. 4 Committee Members' Choice • Vice-chair Anderson asked if staff has received any feedback regarding the Oxford Ave. traffic calming project. Traffic Engineer Vostry stated the only contact he has received was from a bicyclist concerned with westbound vehicles parked too close to the traffic calming island adjacent to the Recreation Center, which caused bicyclists to swerve sharply to the right in order to stay in the bike lane. Mr. Vostry advised that he will have the no parking sign moved further to the east, approximately one car length, to open the lane for bicyclists. Director Kahm commented that, from his observation, it appears traffic is moving at the 30 mph speed limit. Additionally, truck traffic is greatly reduced along this roadway. Chair Christie opined that it would be worthwhile to make some adjustments to the electronic speed signs on Oxford, that they are perhaps ineffective because they appear non-responsive. Mr. Vostry said he will look into it. • Committee Member Goosman thanked Mr. Christie for his valuable input while serving on ETAC and wished him luck. • Committee Member Craft observed that eastbound motorists on Floyd Ave. east of Broadway continue traveling east in the right lane because they are unaware that the lane is a right turn only at Lincoln St., that signage is placed too far east of Broadway to be effective. To Mr. Craft's inquiry, Traffic Engineer Vostry stated he will look into stenciling a right turn arrow in that lane to call attention to the right turn movement. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:18 p.m. Linda Wilks, Recording Secretary 5