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HomeMy WebLinkAbout012506 Transportation Coordinating Committee Minutes BOZEMAN AREA TRANSPORTATION COORDINATING COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2006 MINUTES ITEM 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ATTENDANCE Chairperson Andrew Epple called to order at 9:35 a.m. and requested the Committee and audience introduce themselves. Members Present Bob Burkhardt, Designee @ FHWA Andrew Epple, Director, Bozeman Planning and Community Development, TCC Chairperson John Vandelinder, Bozeman Streets Superintendent, proxy for Debbie Arkell Joe Olsen, Engineering Services Supv., Butte District MDT Lee Provance, Gallatin County Road Supervisor Jeff Ebert, District Engineer, Butte District, MDT Chris Kukulski, Bozeman City Manager Bob Lashaway, Representative, MSU Pat Abelin, Citizen Member, Gallatin County Resident Ross Gammon, Maintenance Chief, Bozeman Division, MDT, TCC Vice Chairperson Bill Murdock, Representative, Gallatin County Commission Kerry White, Representative Gallatin County Planning Board David Smith, Citizen Member, City of Bozeman Resident Al VanderWey, representing Lynn Zanto, Statewide Urban Planning Ralph Zimmer, Representative, Pedestrian & Traffic Safety Committee Chris Scott, Gallatin County Planning Department Staff Present George Durkin, Gallatin County Road Department Rob Bukvich, Engineer, Bozeman Division, MDT Carol Schott, Recording Secretary Visitors Present Doug McSpadden Debbie Deagan Mike Hickey Don Bachman Billie Warford Jeff Ball Paul Reichert Jeff Key Ted Lange Corey Lang ITEM 2. PUBLIC COMMENT {Limited to any public matter within the jurisdiction of the Bozeman Area Transportation Coordinating Committee not on this agenda. Three-minute time limit per speaker} Chairperson Epple opened the meeting for public comment to any public matter within the jurisdiction of the Bozeman Area Transportation Coordinating Committee not on this agenda. Doug McSpadden, 4100 Pasha Lane and representing Multi-use Safe Trails Task Force, stated the new committee is committed to long and short term goals for safe trail projects. He read the goals and objectives of the committee. Debbie Deagan, 124 Heritage Drive, stated she felt the Safe Trails group would be a long-standing, valuable commission for the community. She requested better information on bicycle use in the county, and the effects of motorized vehicle speeds on cyclists. She stated she wants to ensure that either the Valley Center Road bike path, or one north or south of I-90 a reality. Chairperson Epple responded to Ms. Deagan’s concerns and invited her and her group to participate in the Update to the Bozeman Area Transportation Plan 2001 Update. He noted the current Transportation Plan calls for Valley Center Road and the Frontage Road bike/pedestrian paths. Ted Lange, Community Trails Program, asked that all trails proposed in the 2020 Plan be included and realistic in the 2006 Update concerning key connections for trails. He distributed map of existing and proposed trails. Jeff Ball, Bozeman Bike Board, stated the College Street/Ferguson Avenue trail will happen with assistance of MSU. He noted the standards set in the 2020 Plan or the 2001 Transportation Plan have not been adhered to by developers. He asked to have his Board included in the process for updating the 2001 Plan Update as some of the trails in the 2001 Plan Update are not feasible. Mike Hickey, Gallatin Valley Bicycle Club, stated there is a lack of coordination as to where the bike lane information is located and who to contact. Billie Warford, 3117 Sourdough Road, thanked the County Commission for denying the two subdivisions on Sourdough Road due to traffic issues. She noted that Sourdough Road will never be a collector road with a 100 foot right-of-way. She asked the Committee look at the existing conditions of Sourdough Road when doing the Updated Plan. Chairperson Epple described the membership of the Committee and the charge they have been given, which is to give recommendations to both Commissions on matters pertaining to transportation. ITEM 3. MINUTES OF OCTOBER 26, 2005 Chairperson Epple called for corrections or additions to the minutes of October 26, 2005. MOTION: Mr. Ebert moved, Ms. Abelin seconded, to approve the minutes as presented. The motion carried unanimously. ITEM 4. PRESENTATION Main Street Improvements – Paul Reichert, Downtown Bozeman Partnership (10 minutes has been requested) He wants info on MDT’s plan. Paul Reichert, Downtown Bozeman Partnership (DBP), commended MDT on its efforts to remove snow from Main Street this winter. He noted the goal of the Downtown Bozeman Partnership is to make sure the Main Street Overlay Project includes the items in his handout distributed and dated January 25, 2006. He asked that curb bulbs be considered at select intersections to add to pedestrian safety and accommodate realistic local vehicle movements. He asked for the name of the proper person to communicate with on their requests. Mr. Joe Olsen noted there are only preliminary plans at this time with those plans to be further developed later in the spring of 2006. He noted the State will be contacting Mr. Reichert in the near future on the requests presented today. Mr. Kukulski noted the City Commission supports the requests except perhaps #6. He noted there may be funds available through TIF or BID funds. Mr. Lashaway noted he is a member of DBP also. He noted there is a distinctive pole design desired for historic downtown. He asked if the crosswalk marking would be specific to the downtown area. Mr. Reichert noted they are looking for a design that is unique to the City of Bozeman. Mr. Lashaway noted he was concerned with the maintenance of the special crosswalks. He asked that the consultant do a comparison of the time the street will be out of service to the time they were closed when the sidewalks were replaced. He stated the businesses need reassurances as to how long the process will take. Mr. Bukvich noted in the past the State has required the contractor to hold weekly public meetings to keep everyone informed. Mr. White noted stamped concrete is very slick in the wintertime. He asked that other pedestrian crossing materials be researched. He asked that the curb bulbs be looked at carefully. Mr. Bukvich noted that curb bulbs won’t be included with this project. Mr. Gammon and Mr. Olsen noted the other requests can be discussed in meetings with the Partnership Board. ITEM 5. TCC MEMBER REPORTS A. Transit Report 1. Transit Committee Report - Chris Budeski 2. Transit Partnership Chris Budeski and Jeff Rupp noted they have contracted with LSC to finish Phase II and HRDC is finishing the application for funding. Mr. Budeski noted they are looking at three routes to start with Jeff Kack, MSU, monitoring and running the interim system. Mr. Budeski noted they are partnering with WTI and ASMSU. He reviewed the financing, buses to be purchased, drivers, and the plan to bid the system/route out to the private system. He stated the goal is to have the system up and running by the opening of University classes in August. He stated Reach, Inc., has joined the partnership. Mr. Lashaway noted there is another group working to put the creation of an Urban Transit District on the ballot, even though research has indicated it is not feasible at this time. He noted if the measure is approved, it could move forward sooner rather than later. Mr. Budeski noted a second vote to approve the levying of a tax is required prior to assessing taxes to fund the District. Mr. Murdock noted there is a Memorandum of Understanding between Bozeman, Gallatin County, and Belgrade for the transit system. Mr. Budeski noted the four routes can be established this fall while the ballot issues are being resolved. He noted they can rent buses from various agencies until the regular buses are obtained. B. I-90/Airport Interchange Report – Pat Abelin Pat Abelin, asked that the agenda item name be changed to the I-90/East Belgrade Interchange. She noted the contract has been let for the Environmental Assessment. She reported on a meeting held with MDT in Helena. She noted MDT would be taking over the administration of the project when the contract with Morrison-Maierle/HKM is completed. She reviewed the available funding, and discussed the road connectors to the interchange. She noted the funding for the interchange would come from developers and others who will benefit from the connectors. Mr. Kukulski requested that Gallatin County and the City of Belgrade partner in planning the Urban scale development that will occur at the interchange and on the connectors. Mr. Murdock noted that Sandy Straehl, MDT, is requiring that land use regulations be included in the agreement. Mr. Zimmer asked when MDT will take over the administration of the project. Mr. Bukvich noted when the Environmental Assessment is completed, the current contract will expire, which should be early this fall, then MDT will administer the project Mr. Lashaway asked if there is a projected date as to when the interchange will be completed. Mr. Bukvich noted it could be 8-10 years. Mr. Murdock noted the funding will be available by the end of the Environmental Assessment. C. TSM’s Report Mr. Vandelinder noted there was nothing new to report. D. Bike Advisory Board (See Jeff Ball’s comments under Public Comment.) E. Other TCC Member Reports - None ITEM 6. OLD BUSINESS A. Status of Bozeman Area Transportation Plan 2006 Update Chairperson Epple noted TCC made a commitment to move ahead with the 2006 Update to the Transportation Plan 2001 Update at the meeting in October, 2005. He noted the contract would likely be about $200,000.00, of which the State has agreed to fund $100,000.00. He noted the City Of Bozeman Planning Office has provided Staff for the updates completed in the last 25 years. He noted Staff and MDT will be preparing the RFP by the Spring meeting. Mr. Murdock noted the County would like to be involved in the preparation of the RFP. Chairperson Epple noted that may require an extra meeting and asked if the TCC would commit to attending a special meeting prior to the regular April meeting. The group concurred to holding an earlier meeting, if necessary. Mr. Bukvich noted he would be very comfortable hashing out the details with input from Bozeman, Gallatin County, and MDT TCC members and he didn’t think the document had to come back prior to issuing it. Mr. Kukulski noted that City and County Staffs are buried with projects and perhaps a consultant should be hired. He stated he was concerned that some group may feel that they were left out and he asked that the body of the TCC be involved in ratifying the RFQ. Mr. Provance asked if the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process could be omitted and go right to the Request For Proposals (RFP) process. Mr. Kukulski noted if that would save time due to the small number of firms available in the State, he would support omitting the RFQ process. Mr. Bukvich asked the Chair to send out the previous RFP to the members with a request that changes should be submitted by March 1, 2006. Mr. White asked for an evening public forum for public comments to allow more people an opportunity to comment. Mr. Bukvich noted that consultants in the past have been flexible and willing to work with us. He noted we should expect a public meeting as one of the first steps. Mr. Lashaway noted it is only a notion that the public has had no input. Chairperson Epple asked if TCC wanted to hold a public meeting on the RFP. It was suggested that a draft scoping document be sent out for review by the public. Mr. Provance noted the TCC’s comments on the previous RFP should direct the development of the new RFP, then the scoping meeting could be held. Chairperson Epple suggested the public should be given an opportunity to comment on improvements to the 2001 Update. He stated the previous RFP would be distributed to the members with an invitation to send comments to the City Planning Office. He noted those comments would be assimilated into a new RFP. Mr. Bukvich noted the above suggestions may slow the process. He noted some scoping work should be done to save time. Mr. Lashaway asked for the time constraints for completion. Chairperson Epple stated that the contract should be let by July 1, 2006. He stated it could take up to one year to complete. Mr. Provance stated the consultant should provide a timeline for completion of the project and the events leading up to the completion. Mr. Murdock noted the document is out-of-date. He thought to get the needed roads built and to accommodate growth, the new plan should be completed sooner rather than later. Chairperson Epple reviewed how the consultant was chosen for the 2001 Update. Mr. Lashaway discussed the process for including public involvement. He suggested holding the public comment period prior to finalizing of the contract. Al VanderWey noted he has already begun the traffic impact studies. Mr. Murdock noted the County Commission will advertise a public comment period on the RFP and suggested the City Commission do the same. Chairperson Epple noted the previous RFP will be sent out, with comments expected by the end of February. MOTION: Mr. Lashaway moved, Mr. Provance seconded, to authorize the City, County, and MDT to draft the RFP with the next step for the TCC being the review of proposals after they arrive. Mr. Murdock suggested a recommendation that the RFP be sent to the County Commission and City Commission for endorsement by the first of March. He stated the group could select a consultant shortly thereafter. Mr. White clarified that public hearings would be held before the County Commission and City Commission, then the RFP would be sent out. In response to Mr. Zimmer’s request for the steps of the process, Mr. Lashaway stated the steps he visualizes are as 1) staff will distribute the previous RFP and solicit comments; 2) Staff will finalize the draft; 3) the draft will be sent to County Commission, City Commission, and TCC members for endorsement; then, 4) advertise for consultant. He noted there could be some editing prior to the advertising. Mr. Bukvich noted that the only thing that should change in the RFP is the study area. The motion carried unanimously. A TCC Steering Committee, authorized to review proposals prior to the next meeting, was discussed. Mr. Zimmer was uncomfortable with the term “Steering.” Chairperson Epple noted he would be comfortable with the name “Consultant Selection Committee.” MOTION: Mr. Bukvich moved, Mr. Provance seconded, to establish a Consultant Selection Committee, to include a rep from MDT Urban Planning – Lynn Zanto, a rep from County Planning, and a rep from City Planning, and either one or both of the at-large reps to TCC to comprise the TCC consultant selection committee, specifically, Lynn Zanto, Chris Scott, Chris Saunders at a minimum. He noted if there are others interested, they should volunteer. Mr. Zimmer suggested that at least one member should represent the public and not be employed by the City or County. David Smith volunteered to serve. David Baumbauer was also appointed. Mr. White asked to have a contact number for comments for the committee. Chairperson Epple noted those comments should be sent to Chris Saunders. The motion carried unanimously. B. Other Old Business - None ITEM 7. NEW BUSINESS - None ITEM 8. PROJECT UPDATES - Discussion only as needed MSU Projects Update Mr. Lashway stated there was none to report at this time. He noted he summarizes each TCC meeting and posts the summary. He stated he receives comments after each posting. Belgrade Projects Update Mr. Ebert reported the bid is scheduled to be let February 23rd for the intersection of Jackrabbit Lane and Main Street. He announced the project is to be completed this summer. The design configuration was discussed. CTEP Projects Sara Folger, City of Bozeman CTEP/Grants Coordinator, reported on the Library projects and the Rail/Trail project. She noted there is interest from MSU to do preliminary design work on the College to Huffine trail project. West Babcock Street Improvements Mr. Vandelinder reported the project is completed. 5. South 19th Avenue - Main Street to Kagy Boulevard Mr. Bukvich noted the improvements are included in the construction plan for 2007. Mr. Gammon noted a request has been received to extend the project to Stucky Road. 6. North 19th Avenue/Valley Center Project Mr. Bukvich noted the project is nearly complete and will be finished this spring as soon as the weather permits. 7. Signal Projects a. Willson Avenue/College Street Mr. Ebert reported MDT is investigating the feasibility of a round-about and right-of-way needs for one. If no right-of-way is available, MDT will be back to installing a signal or leave the intersection as it is. Mr. Lashaway noted a report is to be given to the City Commission as to which will be done, a signal or round-about. He stated the City Commission has determined leaving it “as is” not an option. b. Other Mr. Gammon noted contracts for two permanent signals have been let for Springhill Road and North 19th Avenue and Secondary 205. The schedule is to have them installed this year. 8. North Rouse Avenue Mr. Bukvich announced a public meeting is to be held tonight at 7:30 at Senior Center on the improvements to North Rouse Avenue. He stated a meeting with NENA prior to the public meeting will begin at 6:30. The scope is to consider adding turn lanes, signals, and bike lanes from Main Street to Story Mill Road. The schedule for letting the project is beyond 2010 and funding will drive the progress of the project. 9. Durston Road Street Improvements Mr. Vandelinder stated the improvements for Durston Road from North 19th Avenue to Ferguson Road should begin after April 1, with the improvements from North 7th Avenue to North 19th Avenue beginning after the 15th of April. He stated that anyone needing the exact dates could call him. 10. I-90 Improvements Mr. Bukvich stated the public should expect I-90 to look similar to last summer with alternate lanes over the bridges being repaired. 11. Huffine Lane Access Control Study Mr. Gammon announced a meeting would be held next week to resolve issues. Mr. Bukvich discussed options recommended by the consultants. 12. Jackrabbit Lane Mr. Ebert reported the access study has been completed, the study has been given to the public for comment, and a meeting will be held today to decide what to modify to meet concerns. He discussed the modifications. Mr. White asked if a sewer pipeline would be extended north from Gallatin Gateway. He noted a previous 20 year study projected growth that has been reached in three years. He noted he is aware of funding available for engineering the placement of the pipeline under Jackrabbit Lane. Mr. Ebert noted the road will be completed in two phases. He stated the first phase is scheduled to begin in 2010. Mr. Kukulski stated the City’s infrastructure facilities plan will be shared as soon as it is available. Discussion followed on improvements to be completed on Hwy 191. It was determined that Hwy 191 extends from the south to Four Corners and continues east on Huffine Lane. The Main Street reconstruction is scheduled to be done in two phases. The signal for Fowler Avenue will be installed in the spring of 2006. 13. Other Mr. Bukvich noted a draft Environmental Assessment for Hwy 191 in Gallatin Canyon was sent out last fall and comments have been requested by January 27, 2006. ITEM 9. ELECTION OF OFFICERS A. Chairperson Chairperson Epple opened the meeting for nominations for Chairperson. Mr. Lashaway nominated Andy Epple and Ross Gammon as Chairperson and Vice Chairperson. Mr. Bukvich asked if Chairperson Epple if he was opposed to holding the office again. Chairperson Epple indicated he would serve. The motion carried unanimously. B. Vice Chairperson Mr. Gammon was elected in the above action. ITEM 10. DISCUSSION ITEMS ITEM 11. 2006 MEETING DATES AND ADJOURNMENT Wednesday, April 26, 2006 - Regular meeting 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 26, 2006 - Regular meeting 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 25, 2006 - Regular meeting 9:30 a.m. There being no further business to come before the Bozeman Area Transportation Coordinating Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 12:00 p.m. ________________________________________ Andrew Epple, Chairperson Bozeman Area Transportation Coordinating Committee