Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-22-09 Transportation Coordinating Committee Draft Minutes.docx MINUTES BOZEMAN AREA TRANSPORTATION COORDINATING COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2009 ITEM 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ATTENDANCE Chairperson Christopher Scott called the meeting to order at 10:06 a.m. on Wednesday, April 22, 2009 in the City Commission Room, City Hall, 121 North Rouse Avenue, Bozeman, MT and directed the TCC members to introduce themselves. Members present: Christopher Scott, Planning Department, Gallatin County Jeff Ebert, MDT, Butte District Jeff Krauss, City Commission member Ray Stocks, MDT, Maintenance Chief (Non-voting member) Joe Olsen, Engineering Services Superintendent, Butte District MDT Andy Epple, Planning Director, City of Bozeman, Chair Bob Lashaway, Montana State University Ralph Zimmer, Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Committee Carol Strizich, Statewide and Urban Planning, MDT – proxy for Dick Turner Rob Bukvich, MDT, Bozeman Division Bill Cochran, Bozeman Area Bicycle Advisory Board George Durkin, County Engineer Sam Gianfrancisco, County citizen representative Dan Martin, City representative Bill Murdock, Gallatin County Commissioner Brian Caldwell, City Planning Board Marianne Amsden, Gallatin County Planning Board Rick Hixson, City Engineering, proxy for Debbie Arkell Lee Provance, Gallatin County Road Superintendent Bob Murray, City Engineering Al Vanderway, MDT, Dept. of Urban Planning ITEM 2. PUBLIC COMMENT {Public comment limited to any public matter within the jurisdiction of the Bozeman Area Transportation Coordinating Committee not on this agenda with a three-minute time limit per speaker.} Chairperson Scott opened public comment. No person commented. Chairperson Scott closed public comment. ITEM 3. MINUTES 1 Minutes of the Transportation Coordinating Committee, April 22, 2009 Chairperson Scott asked TCC members if anyone had any changes to the minutes of February 25, 2009. Bob Lashaway It was moved by Mr. Lashaway, seconded by Mr. Krauss to approve the minutes as submitted. Vote on the Motion to approve the February 25, 2009 minutes as submitted. The motion passed unanimously . ITEM 4. TCC MEMBER REPORTS A.Transit Committee Report No report was given. B.I-90 East Belgrade Interchange Report Bill Murdock Mr. Murdock stated that the record of decision is about to be signed after concurrence by the three parties, the Airport Authority, Gallatin County and Belgrade city council which will be in the next few weeks. We are still 10 to 14 million dollars short out of 49 million. Not eligible for stimulus funds because we’re not shovel ready. It’s not designed because we don’t have all the money. Jeff Ebert Mr. Ebert clarified that this document is the FONSI (Finding of No Significant Impact). C. TSM’s Report No report was given. D. Bike Advisory Board Bill Cochran Mr. Cochran from the Bicycle Advisory Board said that the board will be sponsoring May 11-15 is Bike to Work Week. E. Pedestrian/Traffic Safety Committee Ralph Zimmer Mr. Zimmer said that this committee is looking forward to working with the city commission on the sidewalk program and has been looking at some grants and pursuing those. F. Other TCC Member Reports Marianne Amsden Ms. Amsden is replacing Kerry White who has officially resigned from the Transportation 2 Minutes of the Transportation Coordinating Committee, April 22, 2009 Coordinating Committee. She pointed out that a joint Resolution SJ17 was passed through the legislature this period recognizing the important historical cultural and economic value of horse activities to the state of Montana. A copy will be sent to MDOT and Montana League of Cities and Towns and the Montana Association of Counties. This Resolution promotes safe equestrian horse drawn vehicle access and includes horses when appropriate when designing or approving roadways, transportation planning or planning parks or trails. ITEM 5. OLD BUSINESS A. Greater Bozeman Area Transportation Plan Update 2007 Chris Scott Mr. Scott said that the City and County Commissions have adopted the document. According to the contract, 25 copies will be provided as well as two un-bound copies and CD’s of the plan. Andy Epple Mr. Epple thanked the Commissioners for working on getting the plan adopted. ITEM 6. NEW BUSINESS A. Agenda Format Discussion Rob Bukvich Mr. Bukvich feels that we might succeed better at making some of the committee members feel heard by moving the project updates into the member reports. Also, some of the projects do not have anything to add to them. He feels this would make everyone feel on equal footing. Andy Epple Mr. Epple asked for clarification regarding Mr. Bukvich’s idea and clarified by saying the agenda would combine item 4 and item 7 and not list projects in particular, but rather list the individual representatives who could then report whatever project was relevant at the time. Chris Scott Mr. Scott thought a member sub-report listing an on-going project such as the I-90 interchange. Bob Lashaway Mr. Lashaway would be concerned that we not lose the listing of projects because if nothing has occurred it might be important to know yet the member reporting may not mention that. Chris Scott Mr. Scott would agree that it would be good not to lose those project update lists but maybe have it under a member report. 3 Minutes of the Transportation Coordinating Committee, April 22, 2009 Rob Bukvich Mr. Bukvich, responding to a question as to why he would like the changes, said his only concern is that sometimes after the introductions the meeting becomes a city, county, state meeting and he would like to include more of our membership to tell us just what they’re doing, what they are working on, however we want to do that. Bob Lashaway Mr. Lashaway said other members do not actually represent any entity that actually owns a road and he doesn’t feel uncomfortable with the way it’s been. Jeff Krauss Cr. Krauss thinks the agenda seems to work for him and if we need to add another person to the member reports that’s fine. He’s concerned that we don’t lose the project updates. He asked if there is someone we need to add to the member reports list. Bob Lashaway Mr. Lashaway suggested that maybe under member reports would be a list of areas from which members are appointed. The I-90 interchange report could go down under project and then give each member a chance to report on anything they wish to. Ralph Zimmer Mr. Zimmer stated that he is comfortable with the way it is, but was going to ask why the projects were listed on the member reports. Bill Cochran Mr. Cochran responded to a question from the chair regarding whether he was comfortable with the way the agenda is set up and he stated he was. Jeff Ebert Mr. Ebert said that the I-90 east Belgrade interchange was in the member reports because in the past there was a group trying to get the project going. With the TSM reports, now that the transportation plan is completed, we will need to go through these again. As far as project updates, we have other projects that are not listed but maybe should be. Chris Scott Mr. Scott clarified that there are two projects, the I-90 / East Belgrade Interchange report and the TSM report that could be taken from the member reports and put into the project updates category. He then asked if it would be possible prior to the meetings to have MDT add projects to the agenda ahead of time. Mr. Ebert said that it would not be a problem to add projects to the agenda if they knew when the deadline for agenda submittal was and could possibly send out a report. 4 Minutes of the Transportation Coordinating Committee, April 22, 2009 Andy Epple Mr. Epple said that his department handles the administrative duties of TCC and are happy to move things around. He asked if Item 4 should be called TCC Committee reports. Bob Lashaway Mr. Lashaway would suggest a list for member reports that reflects the constituencies as well as ad-hoc groups that start. Maybe we should give some direction as to what those reports should entail so that reports reflect only the business of TCC. Bill Murdock County Cr. Murdock said we should not forget TCC’s Charter and focus. He views it as we formulate a TCC plan every five years and consumes us for two years. Our main focus here in- between the plan is to focus on our goals. He is disappointed that there is no one here from Transit. He stated that is because there board meeting is at the same time. He would like to here reports from everyone and make sure the goals are being tracked. Bill Cochran Mr. Cochran said that there is no mechanism without John (Henderson) in the loop anymore for the Bicycle Board to get into the process during the planning stage before a project is finalized. They are in the TCC plan but then they get over-looked. Chris Scott Mr. Scott said that he would like the TCC meetings to be a way for groups like the Bicycle Board to stay informed on what the agencies are doing. Brian Caldwell Mr. Caldwell said that as a new member he feels that there is an opportunity to talk about transportation based on the current agenda format. It is incumbent upon the members to be prepared. Jeff Krauss City Cr. Krauss feels it would be a great idea to put TCC members on the agenda maybe in a double column. If there’s no report there’s no report, but he feels the two planning boards and MSU could report what projects they are looking at; for example, hearing that MSU is building two more buildings that will dump out more traffic, etc. The citizen members could have reports such as we have a problem in front of this school, etc., that TCC needs to hear as well. Some obligation to report out would be important. Chris Scott Mr. Scott re-iterated that most of the members feel the current agenda is working with the minor tweaks that have been put on the record as well as changing item 4 to TCC Committee/Member Reports. 5 Minutes of the Transportation Coordinating Committee, April 22, 2009 Marianne Amsden Ms. Amsden thanked Mr. Bukvich for bringing up this discussion to make sure that all members have a chance to speak. She is also wondering how that the Transportation Plan has been approved if there will be a new agenda item maybe listing the goals and the projects that were approved. Andy Epple Mr. Epple said that is not a bad idea, but we do the TSM (Transportation System Management) reports that come out of the Transportation Plan. We’ve used this meeting to advise what TSM projects are being undertaken. Every year five or six are usually tackled. We could add a discussion point for major priority status reports. Mr. Epple said that his staff and Mr. Scott can work together to make the changes and then bring it back at the next meeting. Ralph Zimmer Mr. Zimmer said that he would like a new member list. Andy Epple Mr. Epple said that is an issue he was going to bring up in ‘other’. He stated he’ll get an updated list of members and work with Mr. Scott regarding an updated draft of by-laws for housekeeping items. For example, one thing that had been discussed would be dropping the Belgrade representative since they now have their own TCC. He’ll try to have that (a revised draft of the by-laws) for the next meeting. Dan Martin Mr. Martin would be happy to report on transit issues if he knows what members are interested in hearing. Mr. Martin is involved with Skyline and the Transportation Advisory Committee. Other New Business Brian Caldwell Mr. Caldwell brought up an item of new business from the planning board regarding the plan for the downtown region that was developed by a consultant team hired by the City of Bozeman. One of the most important preliminary recommendations for maintaining a vibrant downtown core addressed the one way couplets as they relate to downtown. While he is fully aware of the history and costs associated, the consultant’s recommendation is to turn those into two way roads. Mr. Caldwell wanted to start the conversation regarding this item with this board. Andy Epple Mr. Epple stated that the time frame for making a recommendation to the commission for this project is likely June. A 2003 study commissioned by Downtown Business Partnership studied the impacts of converting those to two lanes concluding that would be a very expensive project. From the 2003 study, this body and the elected officials who funded this plan said they had studied it enough and did not want it included in this plan. 6 Minutes of the Transportation Coordinating Committee, April 22, 2009 Rick Hixson Mr. Hixson pointed out that the 2003 plan was done for the Downtown Business Partnership and the Partnership blew that plan up. They themselves need to find consensus before it goes anywhere. Rob Bukvich Mr. Bukvich said that when and if it happens, both the one ways are on the Federal Aid Urban Routes and that might have some change in priorities for urban monies. Brian Caldwell Mr. Caldwell followed up saying before the affected parties try to come up with another plan, there’s an understanding that consensus is a pre-requisite. This has the potential to be a self funded project given the tax increment financing district affected by parcels on either side of those roadways. While there’s a cap on those dollars, it is something else that would need to be addressed. Andy Epple Mr. Epple said there would need to be a consensus that those kinds of improvements would be priority improvements for the use of TIF dollars. One of the premises in urban design is that two ways are easier to cross than one ways and intuitively that does not make sense to him. He would like to see some data that supports that. Also, these are not truly couplets, since we have Main Street as a two way. ITEM 7. PROJECT UPDATES A. MSU Projects Update Bob Lashaway Mr. Lashaway gave the MSU report and said that the focus of the stimulus funding for MSU will be related primarily to energy projects on campus. Two transportation projects are related to the th Town and Country grocery store conditional use permit, they’ll put in a signal at Kagy and 11. The city will be getting additional right of way to accommodate a signal pole at the northeast th corner of 11. The condition is that they get the signal completed prior to occupancy in November. Turn lane on south bound eleventh turning westbound on Lincoln that intersection changed to a four way stop and it seems to be working well. The developer will complete a turn th lane. The College is working with the City for a round-about at College and 11. Rick Hixson Mr. Hixson said the round-about is approaching final design and hopefully be bid this summer or fall. Bob Lashaway Mr. Lashaway responded to a question from Mr. Zimmer regarding right of way for the 7 Minutes of the Transportation Coordinating Committee, April 22, 2009 roundabout and said that the right of way on MSU’s side has been approved. Mr. Hixson then said that the other right of way looks like it’ll happen without any problems. B. CTEP Projects Chris Scott Mr. Scott said that everyone received an attachment regarding the CTEP projects from Al Vanderway. Mr. Epple said that he feels the most significant CTEP project in the Bozeman area is the th College and Huffine path in the design and environmental review stage on College from 11 all the way to West Main Street on the south side of the right of way. Rob Bukvich Mr. Bukvich feels the most significant project is the library (Milwaukee Road Rail Trail) because we don’t have ‘made in America’ certification on those lights or they are replaced with made in American, all the Federal funding for this project is in jeopardy. This needs resolved so the City does not get that bill. Brian Caldwell Mr. Caldwell said that if the lights need to be replaced, there might be re-sale value in other site plan projects. th C.South 19 Avenue – Main Street to Kagy Boulevard Rob Bukvich th Mr. Bukvich said the intersection of College and 19 is still closed for the duration of this week. They re-routed a water main and city sewer, re-routed gas lines and dug out the intersection. It’s about a week behind because of the snow last week and is scheduled to re-open next week. The th next step will be widening 19 Street. D. Bozeman Intermodal Facility Update Andy Epple Mr. Epple said that the parking garage opened last Monday. E. Signal Projects Rick Hixson Mr. Hixson said that there isn’t anything to add but we might want to change this item to ‘Intersection Improvement Projects’. F. North Rouse Avenue 8 Minutes of the Transportation Coordinating Committee, April 22, 2009 Rob Bukvich Mr. Bukvich said the environmental document is being finalized and then going forward with some design work. Later this year or beginning of next, we are hoping to contract with project to replace the structure over Rouse Ave. They will be moved to accommodate the widening of Rouse. Jeff Ebert Mr. Ebert responded to a question from Cr. Krauss stating that the environmental impact has already been out for public comment and public comment closed. The FONSI will be out shortly. Per a request from Cr. Krauss, Mr. Ebert stated he would get a copy of the FONSI to Cr. Krauss. G. I-90 Improvements Jeff Ebert Mr. Ebert said these improvements tie into what Mr. Bukvich mentioned on the Rouse Ave. structure and also the MRL structure over Rouse that will be used for pedestrian / bike-path that goes into the Historic Mill area probably scheduled in 2010 construction. Cross-overs will be built on either side. It’ll be a two year construction project. H. Other Rick Hixson Mr. Hixson spoke to City Director of Public Service, Debbie Arkell’s attachment and thinks her intention was to at least consider another updated urban project list. The City Commission has established priorities from their perspective through the work plan and the capital improvement plan among other things and would need to be tied into this discussion. Chris Scott Mr. Scott spoke regarding possibly adding this item to the next meeting agenda. Carol Strivich Ms. Strivich Urban planning for the City of Bozeman is just over 3 million dollars and we’re ready to prioritize the next urban project and it does require formal action from this committee to call it the priority for funding. Rick Hixson th Mr. Hixson pointed out that the College from 11 to Main Street has been the project we’ve been looking towards, but that needs to be formalized. Cr. Krauss Cr. Krauss said he feels the City Commission needs to be a part of that prioritization. 9 Minutes of the Transportation Coordinating Committee, April 22, 2009 Rob Bukvich Mr. Bukvich suggested that the City discuss their priorities within the next month and bring it back to the body for the next meeting. Jeff Ebert Mr. Ebert said the current Transportation bill expires October this year and they are hopeful that it will pass again. Bozeman is being allocated based on urban population at about $800,000 per year and right now you have $3.3 million. Bozeman may get growth funds in a new authorization, to be determined by the Transportation Commission. By 2013, the projection is around 6.3 million dollars of federal funds accumulated with an applicable state match of about $87130. What you spend it on is pretty open as far as capital improvements. Andy Epple Mr. Epple asked if there is a similar process the County needs to go through. Jeff Ebert Mr. Ebert said that as part of the TCC the County, City and State participate in voting here. It really is up to this group how that is handled. You need City Commission action, TCC action and Transportation Commission action and you need to get it in the State Transportation Improvement Program. Andy Epple Mr. Epple said we need to get city staff to bring some recommendations to the City Commission to discuss before the next TCC meeting for endorsement. Chris Scott Mr. Scott stated that this item should be an agenda item for the next meeting. Rob Bukvich Mr. Bukvich said that he didn’t think it’s a secret that the top jobs that have been talked about has been reconstruction of College Street, reconstruction of Kagy Boulevard and reconstruction th of 8 as a late contender. Any Other Project Updates? Joe Olsen Mr. Olsen presented the TS plan for the summer. There are lots of pavement preservation thth project plans for the summer, including Oak Street, 7 and 19 (seal and covers). Drip and dry th from Rouse to 7. Interstate seal and cover will happen from east of Manhattan to east of Belgrade on I-90. Seal and cover on secondary 205 from the Airport to Springhill Road, rut fills and seal and cover. Belgrade interchange project from Jackrabbit Lane from Belgrade over-pass south. Amsterdam is a separate effort next year. South Springhill Road and Trident Road - seal and cover. Reconstruction will take place on the structure southeast of Manhattan on 205 and 10 Minutes of the Transportation Coordinating Committee, April 22, 2009 the intersection south of the junction west of Three Forks. American Recovery and Re- Investment Act projects are at the Battleridge Road north and south in front of Bridger Bowl - mill and fill and an east Bozeman Interchange wetland creation in the northwest quadrant. Chris Scott Mr. Scott asked if the County is taking advantage of any of the recycled millings in regard to Battleridge. Joe Olsen Mr. Olsen said they are designated to Brackett Creek Road. Cr. Krauss Cr. Krauss asked the County to check whether bike lines could be added along Oak. Lee Provance Mr. Provance asked what was happening on Valley Center. Joe Olsen Mr. Olsen said Valley Center east section is a 2010 project and responded that the right of way has been taken care of with the County with three more parcels being worked through with land owners. Brian Caldwell Mr. Caldwell asked at what stage participation of this body needs to occur to affect things like putting in bike lines when re-striping is being handled so as not to be an additional burden after bidding, etc. Rob Bukvich Mr. Bukvich spoke again about the striping on Oak Street saying if there is 8 feet of parking that no-one can use (emergency only) that if we want a bike lane there, the City ought to put up bike lanes. Andy Epple Mr. Epple said he felt there was a commitment from staff to take a look at that, but pointed out that the Transportation Plan specifies those emergency break down no parking/bike lane. If we need to upgrade that to a little higher level of recognition with some signs we’ll talk to the Commission about that and work in to budgets as appropriate and possible. That 8’ bike lane used 99.9% of the time is already there, but may be a question of identifying it accordingly. Rob Bukvich Mr. Bukvich responded to a question from Ms. Amsden that they would not be adding an extra bike lane stripe but after the re-striping was done if the City wanted to put a bike lane sign up they could – or the City could add an extra stripe. 11 Minutes of the Transportation Coordinating Committee, April 22, 2009 Dan Martin Mr. Martin asked where Transit fits into that. Rob Bukvich Mr. Bukvich said that they haven’t been able to plan very well with Streamline about where they want future stops. Plenty of room there though to have a stop wherever they want. ITEM 8. 2009 MEETING DATES AND ADJOURNMENT Chris Scott nd Mr. Scott verified that the next TCC meeting would take place on Wednesday, July 22. He also asked that the future meeting dates be listed on the next agenda. The meeting was adjourned at 11:39 a.m. NOTE : THESE MINUTES ARE NOT WORD FOR WORD AND NOT EVERY COMMENT WAS INCLUDED. PLEASE REFER TO THE AUDIO OF THIS MEETING FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS. ______________________________________________ Christopher Scott, Chairperson Bozeman Area Transportation Coordinating Committee Prepared by: ______________________________ Aimee Kissel, Deputy City Clerk Approved on: 12