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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-05-13 TAC MINUTESCity of Englewood, Colorado ENGLEWOOD TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING • Minutes of May 13, 2010 ~ The regular bi-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. Roll Call. Present: David Anderson, Andy Berger, Danielle Gregory, Daryl Kinton, James Weeks, Randy Penn (Not voting), Jennifer Jones (Not voting), Rick Kahm, ex officio. Also Present: Ladd Vostry, Traffic Engineer Linda Wilks, Recording Secretary Sergeant Mike O'Connor A quorum was present. ~ Approval of Minutes Chair Anderson acknowledged the March 29, 2010 email poll for approval of minutes for the meeting of March 11, 2010. The minutes were approved, as presented, by Committee Members Anderson, Berger, and Gregory. ·~ Public Comment • Brad Bertram, an Englewood resident, and Mike Bunker, owner of Discount Golf Cars, were present to provide information to ETAC regarding possible advantages of allowing low speed electric vehicles on Englewood roadways. Introductions were made around the table. Copies of Senate Bill 09-075, were distributed. With the use of photographs, Mr. Bunker discussed various models of golf cars, with and without street worthy accessories and equipment. Possible uses were discussed as well as the advantages of electric vs. gas golf carts. Mr. Bunker discussed various points of Senate Bill 09-75, including the Electric Vehicle Grant Fund established by the State that provides grants to local governments to install recharging stations for these vehicles. Requirements for driving low speed electric vehicles would be established by each local government. Chair Anderson inquired about costs for add-ons, i.e., headlights, taillights, etc.; Mr. Bunker gave the example that his 2006 cart sells for $2,000, and add-ons would be an additional $300. To Committee Member Gregory's inquiry, Mr. Bunker said the life span of a battery is 7-8 years, if properly maintained. Discussion ensued. Chair Anderson asked Members if they had any further questions. There were none. Mr. Bunker and Mr. Bertram thanked the committee for their time. Committee Member Kinton left the meeting at 7:35 p.m. Director Kahm clarified that Senate Bill 09-075 only addresses the use of electric, rather than gas, low speed vehicles, and commented that the emissions from one gas golf cart far exceeds the combined emissions of all fourteen recently purchased Englewood police cruisers. Brief discussion ensued regarding • plans for replacing the gas carts at the Englewood Broken Tee Golf Course . 1 Council Liaison Penn asked for staff's input regarding golf carts on Englewood streets. Director Kahm stated that golf carts on heavily traveled roadways, i.e., Broadway, Hampden, etc., would be hazardous, but t. opined that golf carts on residential streets would probably not create a conflict with motorists. Traffic • Engineer Vostry stated that visibility of that type of vehicle could be a concern. Mr. Vostry noted that Commerce City allows golf carts on streets only within one mile of their golf course. It was also noted that the City of Littleton has discussed this topic but has not moved forward to approve low speed vehicles on Littleton streets. Following discussion, Mr . Penn suggested that, should ETAC choose to move forward with a recommendation, certain elements should be considered, including traffic, age of drivers, registration, hours of operation, parking requirements, restricted roadways, etc. Mr. Penn stated he will try to acquire, for ETAC's reference, some information regarding Arizona 's laws on this subject. Cons iderable discussion ensued. To Chair Anderson's inquiry, Sgt. O'Connor responded that, currently, golf carts are not allowed on Englewood streets. Sgt. O'Connor stated that officers currently use some discretion in instances such as the day porter at CityCenter. Chair Anderson made a motion, 2nd by Committee Member Weeks, that ETAC hold a special meeting in June to discuss this issue and prepare a recommendation for City Council. Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 4). Yes: David Anderson, Andy Berger, Danielle Gregory, James Weeks. Absent: Daryl Kinton . Council Liaison Penn suggested that Members, prior to meeting in June, check out some resources on • this subject. Sgt. O'Connor noted that the National Highway Traffic Transportation Safety Administration website is a good resource for specific information regarding low speed vehicles. Further discussion ensued. Old Business Discussion regarding a possible study to create improved pedestrian access/safety for senior and disabled citizens was postponed. ~ New Business There were no items presented for discussion under New Business. ~ Director's Choice There were no items presented for discussion under Director's Choice. 'l!J Chairperson's Choice Mr. Anderson expressed that he is looking forward to addressing the issue of low speed vehicles on Englewood roadways. Committee Members' Choice • Council Liaison Penn thanked ETAC for welcoming Council Member Olson while she sat in for him at the March ETAC meeting. 2 • Mr. Penn announced that the grand opening for the community garden is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. Saturday, May 15 th . • • Vice-Chair Berger noted that he has observed motorized scooters on the pedestrian paths in some of Englewood's parks. Mr. Berger said Sgt. O'Connor advised him recently to contact the Police Department at the time of observation so the Impact Team can respond. • • • Committee Member Weeks advised that concerns were discussed at last evening's Urban Renewal Authority meeting regarding possible inappropriate activity taking place in and around the Acoma parking lot landscaping near the El Tepehuan Restaurant. Brief discussion ensued. It was reported that the Parks and Recreation Department is currently considering this situation. • Sgt. O'Connor suggested that, prior to meeting next month, it could be beneficial for Members to visit Mr. Bunker at Discount Golf Cars to get a better feeling for the specifics of golf carts. Brief discussion ensued regarding golf cart maintenance costs. ~ Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m. Linda Wilks, Recording Secretary 3 • • • Englewood Transportation Advisory Committee EMAIL POLL Approval of Minutes for Meeting of May 13, 2010 Recording Secretary Wilks conducted an email poll on May 27, 2010, for approval of minutes for the ETAC meeting of May 13, 2010. The minutes were approved as presented by a majority vote from Committee Members Anderson, Gregory, and Weeks. -~--·--------- Linda Wilks, Recording Secretary