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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-12-13 TAC MINUTES./ • • • City of Englewood, Colorado ENGLEWOOD TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING Minutes of December 13, 2007 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, City of Englewood Civic Center. Members Present: David Anderson, Chair Andy Berger Danielle Gregory Daryl Kinton James Weeks, Alternate Member Randy Penn, Council Liaison Members Absent: Mark Craft Rick Kahm, Director of Public Works , ex officio It was determined that a quorum was present. Also Present: Ladd Vostry, Traffic Engineer Linda Wilks, Recording Secretary Sergeant Mike O'Connor Approval of Minutes Chair Anderson asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of September 13, 2007. There being none, a motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes as presented. With Members Anderson, Gregory and Kinton voting aye, the motion passed . Chair Anderson asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of October 11, 2007. There being none, a motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes as presented . With Members Anderson, Berger and Kinton voting aye, the motion passed. Public Comment There were no visitors present. Old Business There were no items presented for discussion under Old Business New Business There were no items presented for discussion under New Business. Director's Choice • With regard to previous discussion pertaining to the digital brightness of the electronic speed sign on Dartmouth Ave., Traffic Engineer Vostry explained that the sign at this location had been set to dim during nighttime hours, however it was malfunctioning. Staff has made repairs so that the brightness functions properly, dimming at night. There was brief discussion regarding the size and functions of different models of the sign . • Traffic Engineer Vostry advised that he received an inquiry from a resident regarding installation of electronic speed signs on Logan St. south of Hwy. 285. Because of existing traffic signals on this stretch of Logan St., Mr. Vostry suggests that installation of the signs would be most effective between Radcliff and Stanford Avenues. Mr. Vostry noted that traffic records indicate speeding south of Tufts has not been an issue. Costs for the signs would run in the neighborhood of $7,000 each with installation on existing utility poles, or $9,000 each if installation of additional poles is required. These costs include expenses for Xcel Energy connections. Costs for the two signs would be covered in the Public Improvement Fund (PIF)/Transportation Improvement account. Council Liaison Penn said that, during his campaign, residents in that area stated that speed between 4000 and 4200 S. Logan St. was a concern. Vice-chair Gregory inquired about placing white parking lines to visually narrow the roadway and help slow traffic. Mr. Vostry stated that lines are typically installed for longer stretches at the request of residents or if a traffic accident history exists. Mr. Penn asked about the possibility of installing traffic calming islands on this stretch of Logan, similar to those on Oxford Ave. Mr. Vostry explained that the islands on Oxford Ave. are very effective because of the extra width of that roadway, however Logan is only about half the width of Oxford, and because of that, placing islands on Logan has never been discussed. Mr. Vostry stated that he will check on the different models of electronic speed signs and their capabilities, costs, etc. Brief discussion ensued. Mr. Vostry noted that installation could take up to six months to allow for delivery of the signs, Xcel Energy power hook ups, etc. Staff believes installation of the signs would be most effective in the 4300- 4400 blocks on Logan St., both northbound and southbound. Other alternatives were discussed, i.e., flashing yellow lights. Mr. Vostry said he will begin contacting Xcel Energy and sign manufacturers, as well as contacting the neighbors regarding their feedback on placement. • Mr. Vostry reported that removal of the railroad tracks on Navajo St. south of Stanford Ave. is now complete, and the street has been repaired and sidewalks installed. Chairperson's Choice Chair Anderson noted that, in light of the low number of agenda items in recent months, the November meeting was cancelled. Mr. Anderson asked for input from Committee Members regarding reducing the number of monthly meetings, taking into consideration that, although the meetings are open to the public, the number of visitors attending the meetings has been minimal. Vice-chair Gregory suggested amending the ETAC web page to include a revised meeting schedule to inform the public of the change, as well as adding a comment section for citizens to notify Public Works of traffic concerns. Mr. Anderson reviewed a number of concerns that came before ETAC in the past, i.e., speeding on Dartmouth, Oxford, Logan, signage for the no left turn at Broadway and Floyd, neighborhood parking issues, etc. Mr. Anderson also noted the City's current budget concerns. Meeting every other month and scheduling additional meetings, when needed, was suggested. Mr. Anderson suggested continuing this discussion in January. 2 • • • • • • Committee Members' Choice • Council Liaison Penn invited everyone to contact him with their concerns, adding that he is happy to be here, that part of his campaign was to try to make sure that people were satisfied with the way traffic moved. Mr. Penn mentioned that a citizen expressed the need for an additional stop sign on Clarkson between Hwy. 285 and Belleview. Traffic Engineer Vostry said he will look into it. Brief discussion ensued. Committee Member Kinton discussed his concern for the narrow neighborhood sidewalks which do not accommodate wheelchair and handicap equipment. He questioned placing striping in neighborhoods around school zones to create a safer walking area for students and parents walking to and from school. Mr. Vostry stated that this type of striping would put pedestrians in the same field as vehicles. Brief discussion ensued. • Alternate Member Weeks inquired about possible increased traffic coming into Englewood neighborhoods from Oxford and Santa Fe when the Sheridan redevelopment project opens up next year. Mr. Vostry advised that he has been in contact with Sheridan regarding their traffic study. Additionally, COOT has advised that they are not planning to make any adjustments to the traffic signal at Santa Fe and Oxford. Mr. Vostry stated that, if need be, Englewood can adjust the timing of the traffic light at Navajo and Oxford to discourage drivers from entering Englewood at that location. Discussion ensued. Mr. Weeks inquired about traffic and pedestrians in the vicinity of the skateboard park at Cushing Park. Mr. Penn said that Parks and Recreation has been looking into this matter, and are also discussing relocating the skateboard park. Brief discussion ensued regarding permit parking in that area as well as the difficulty in navigating to that area because of the entrance through the residential neighborhoods off of Eastman Ave . • Sgt. O'Connor thanked ETAC for having him at the meeting as representative for Safety Services, and invited everyone to contact him with any concerns they may have. Sgt. O'Connor expressed the importance of educating and working with children of all ages in the schools regarding traffic safety. Chair Anderson commented that ETAC Members appreciate receiving information from officers regarding traffic trouble spots in the City, past and present. Sgt. O'Connor discussed officers' concern with pedestrian safety on Broadway, particularly between Dartmouth Ave. and Hwy. 285 during evening and late nighttime hours, and they have taken an active role in enforcing the jaywalking laws and educating the public and business owners, some who have actually posted signs on their doors regarding using crosswalks. Other areas similarly affected are Broadway around Tufts Ave. • Committee Member Kinton, recently observing the low numbers of parents walking their children to school, inquired about forming a walking to school program. Traffic Engineer Vostry stated that a number of years ago, the School Safety Committee discussed a similar program, but Mr. Vostry stated that he did not believe it materialized because of involvement that would be required of parents, participating schools, police force, City staff, etc. Council Liaison Penn opined that there are two options for forming a walking program, i.e., speak with the School Safety Committee, or talk with Mr. Fore, Principal of Clayton Elementary School. Brief discussion ensued regarding the decline in bike riding to school and other current trends. Chair Anderson inquired about the time frame for the light rail getting back up to operation after the recent derailment involving the light rail and railroad. Mr. Kinton estimated it could be as early as tomorrow, although Ms. Gregory noted she heard on the news that it could be Saturday or Sunday. 3 Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:33 p.m. • Linda Wilks, Recording Secretary • • 4