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HomeMy WebLinkAbout012605 Transportation Coordinating Committee Minutes BOZEMAN AREA TRANSPORTATION COORDINATING COMMITTEE COMMISSION MEETING ROOM, CITY HALL, 411 EAST MAIN STREET WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2005 MINUTES ITEM 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ATTENDANCE Chairperson Andrew Epple called the meeting to order at 9:40 a.m. and directed the members and the audience to introduce themselves. Members Present Andrew Epple, Chairperson, Director of Planning and Community Development, City of Bozeman Debbie Arkell, Director of Public Service, City of Bozeman Joe Walsh for Joe Olsen (replacing Lesly Tribelhorn), Engineering Services Supervisor, Butte MDT Lee Provance, Gallatin County Road Supervisor Jeff Ebert District Engineer, Butte MDT Bob Lashaway, Representative, MSU Ross Gammon, Maintenance Chief, Bozeman MDT Bill Murdock, representative, Gallatin County Commission Kerry White, Representative, Gallatin County Planning Board Al VanderWey representing Lynn Zanto, Statewide Urban Planning Ralph Zimmer, Representative, Pedestrian & Traffic Safety Committee Chris Scott, Gallatin County Planning Staff Present Tom Stuber, MDT Rich McLane, Bozeman Police Department Carol Schott, Recording Secretary Visitors Present Debe Youngberg, Director, Belgrade Chamber of Commerce 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 called for public comment. Kerry White inquired if improvements were planned for the curve just east of the bridgen of L Street and Story Mill Road as there were two accidents last week. Chairperson Epple noted the curve just east of the bridge could be dangerous. He commended the County for having done an excellent job keeping the two streets in service last summer during the construction on Rouse Avenue. Mr. White stated the problem is the bridge on Story Mill. Lee Provance noted the County doesn’t usually sand roads, and guardrails can cause drifting. Jeff Gammon reported that Joe Olson has been named to replace Lesly Tribelhorn as Engineering Services Supervisor, Butte Division. ITEM 3. MINUTES OF OCTOBER 27, 2004 Chairperson Epple called for corrections or additions to the minutes of October 27, 2004. Hearing none, he declared the minutes approved as submitted. Chairperson Epple asked for approval from the membership to revised agenda to add the election of officers at the end of the meeting. The membership was in agreement. ITEM 4. TCC MEMBER REPORTS A. Transit Report Bill Murdock reported a consultant, AT Stoddard, has been hired, and has completed the first phase with a proposed route system and a survey, which indicates the public has a need, desire for a transit system. He stated the estimates for maintenance costs are $100,000 per year. He noted the committee is looking at creating a transit district in the greater Bozeman area, but has yet to determine what that area might be. He stated the system would not pay for itself. He stated an option might be to share buses with Yellowstone Park. Tom Stuber added the plan is to phase in the system over several years. He stated a document that includes a service plan, with the County overseeing the plan, is available on County’s web site. He announced a meeting to be held next Tuesday, February 1st at 4:00 p.m. Mr. White asked if the committee has researched locations for a transit parking area or several pick up areas. Mr. Murdock noted these are included in the options for the proposed plan. Mr. White stated someone has to acquire the parking areas for the transit system. He spoke of a parking area south of Four Corners for commuters to Big Sky. Jeff Ebert noted a possible location for a parking area at Four Corners is the Weigh Station site. He stated an MDT study is being conducted to determine whether the MDT Weigh Station should be in that location; it might be moved out of the area. He noted that site could become available for a possible “Park and Ride” area/transit stop. B. I-90/Airport Interchange Report – Pat Abelin Debe Youngberg reported the committee had attended the State Transportation Commission meeting in December and had given presentations. She noted the Commission appeared impressed and budgeted $250,000 for the project. She stated the committee has drafted goals, which will be finalized and sent to the Federal level for review. She stated she thought an interchange could be under construction by 2010. Ms. Youngberg noted this is the first project under the new rules and is serving as a test project. Bill Murdock commended Mr. Ebert for the presentation he gave on Bozeman’s behalf. C. TSM’s Report Ms. Arkell stated there has been no change in the last three months. She noted one goal of the City Commission is to increase street interconnectivity. She stated she thought this would also involve the establishment of truck routes. ITEM 5. OLD BUSINESS ITEM 6. NEW BUSINESS Ms. Arkell reported the amount of Urban funding is increasing in high growth areas. She noted Bozeman, Kalispell, and Missoula have gained extra funding. The City of Bozeman’s allotment is up from $556, 000 to over $1.2 million. She stated the South 19th Avenue project is slated for FY 07 and is possible because of the Urban Funds available to the City. Chairperson Epple thanked the local MDT officials for their strong support for the extra funding. Rob Bukvich asked if the increase in yearly allocations would allow Bozeman to have more borrowing authority than originally planned. Mr. Ebert noted he wasn’t sure how the borrowing allocations would be affected. Ms. Arkell noted that Belgrade is getting an allocation for the first time this year. ITEM 7. PROJECT UPDATES - Discussion only as needed MSU Projects Update Bob Lashaway reported construction on the Chemistry building would start in early August; however, there should be little if any effect on the surrounding traffic. He noted the Campus is going to press for a parking garage, and is working with Steve Albert of WTI to increase the amount of parking available. He reported that the University has WTI working on transit transfer sites. He stated the University will be coordinating with the City of Bozeman on the reconstruction of South 8th Avenue. Belgrade Projects Update Mr. Bukvich reported that the Main Street/Jackrabbit improvements contract will be let in June of this year. Mr. Ebert reported a preservation project south of Belgrade is planned in 2007. He stated there is a safety project for the Amsterdam Road bridge, and another project towards Manhattan. Mr. White asked if parking for fishermen was being planned adjacent to the bridge. Mr. Ebert noted MDT is working with FWP on parking and signage. Mr. Provance asked if the State had plans for the millings. Mr. Ebert stated they would be offered to Gallatin County if the State didn’t need them. CTEP Projects Chairperson Epple reported the CTEP committee for the City is beginning a new round of projects, including the combination pedestrian/bike facility along the College Street corridor from South 19th Avenue to Main Street, which has been rated as highest priority. Ralph Zimmer reported the Traffic & Public Safety Committee has endorsed the project. Mr. Bukvich added that the project continues west to Ferguson Avenue on West Main Street. Mr. Lashaway noted MSU’s planning board also supported the project. Mr. Zimmer asked for the timeline for completion. Mr. Bukvich noted a timeline hadn’t been set as the timing is dependent on when the applications are sent by the City. He stated construction could possibly begin next year. He noted there are several steps in the process to be completed as of yet, including public comment, which would be done prior to submission to MDT. Chairperson Epple stated he thought the pubic hearing would be held in March of this year. Mr. Ebert noted a larger issue is that the Federal government hasn’t provided a transportation bill which would provide the funding. West Babcock Street Improvements Ms. Arkell reported the City Commission approved the SID for the improvements to West Babcock Street from Main Street to Yellowstone Avenue. She stated the City plans to begin construction this summer with bids to be opened February 15th. Mr. White asked if the bike lane is separated from street. Ms. Arkell noted it will be alongside the street with a separated sidewalk and no parking on the street. Chairperson Epple noted the City Commission authorized the use of transportation impact fees to cover 71% of the cost. 5. South 19th Avenue - Main Street to Kagy Boulevard Mr. Bukvich reported MDT is working through the process for the South 19th Avenue improvements. He noted the improvements are tied into intersection improvements at South 19th Avenue and College Street. Mr. Ebert stated the State plans to have a “plan in hand” for the project as soon as Federal funding is approved. He noted MDT is still seeking right-of-way from Dr. Rogers. He asked if City is responsible for obtaining the right-of-way along South 19th Avenue. He stated MDT needs a certification from Farmer’s Canal if additional right-of-way can be obtained over the canal for the bike lane. Mr. Bukvich noted he and Ms. Arkell could write a letter with the certification. Mr. Ebert asked if a gateway to MSU is planned from College Street/South 19th Avenue. Mr. Lashaway reported the gateways have been re-oriented to Kagy Boulevard and College Street, with Lincoln and Garfield Streets for those who know their way around. Mr. Bukvich noted TD&H analyzed all intersections and the indication was there are some problems with Lincoln Street. Mr. Ebert noted the project for the signalization of Koch Street may be let at the same time as the other improvements to South 19th Avenue. Mr. Bukvich noted the street section will be constructed for signalization even if funding isn’t available at the time. Mr. Lashaway noted the earliest the improvements on South 19th Avenue could occur is 2007. Mr. Ebert noted if the right-of-way has to be obtained in court, that time line gets expanded. Chairperson Epple asked if any striping improvements are planned to facilitate right turning movements. Mr. Bukvich noted the street just needs more width for more lanes. Mr. White asked if tubing Farmer’s Canal is in the design. Ms. Arkell stated it will be tubed from College Street to Babcock Street under the current design. Mr. White asked if there are plans to tube it to the west of South 19th Avenue Mr. Bukvich noted a small portion will be enclosed in connection with the South 19th Avenue/College Street intersection improvements. Ms. Arkell noted flooding is a problem during spring runoff. She noted the blowoff on Fowler Avenue is a small capacity ditch. She stated the ditch is being tubed as development moves south from Baxter Meadows. Mr. Ebert noted FWP may need to obtain right-of-way if the ditch is to be relocated. 6. North 19th Avenue/Valley Center Project Ms. Arkell noted the SID’s for improvements for North 19th Avenue and Valley Center Road have been approved with the nearby developers paying for the portion that impact fees would have covered. She stated the projects are being held up by four developers who have signed the agreement but haven’t turned over the right-of-way. Mr. Ebert noted MDT has met with Northwestern Energy as they have had issues with their lines being placed under the pavement. He stated that issue has been resolved. Chairperson Epple noted that building permits for construction projects in the immediate area are being delayed until the street improvements are bid. 7. Signal Projects a. Willson Avenue/College Street Mr. Ebert reported MDT held a public information meeting just before Christmas. He noted several angry residents stated they would lose some on street parking. He reported some people said they felt the meeting wasn’t well attended due to its being held during the holidays. MDT is considering scheduling one more public meeting. He noted that several comments have been received from others who use the intersection and who are in favor of the installation of a signal. He reported that those opposed to the signal have stated they fear economic development. Mr. Murdock asked if a left turn arrow and turn bay were part of the proposal. Mr. Zimmer noted it was suggested at the meeting that left turns should be limited or eliminated from Willson Avenue. Mr. Ebert reviewed the accident history. Mr. Bukvich noted he has observed the intersection several times and the parking spaces on Willson Avenue aren’t being used. Mr. White asked if a traffic study had been done on the turns, etc. Mr. Ebert noted the studies are completed and several warrants for signalization have been met. Mr. White suggested MDT consider a three lane configuration with other improvements and no signalization. Mr. Gammon stated that improving the intersection without signalization would create more problems. b. Other Mr. Bukvich reported MDT plans to replace the temporary signal at Frontage Road and Springhill Road and install one at Springhill road and North 19th Avenue. He noted the detector on Springhill Road has malfunctioned and needs new loops, which won’t be installed until spring. He noted the signal would continue cycling, rather than staying green on the Frontage Road until a vehicle trips it on Springhill Road, until the intersection improvements can be installed. Debe Youngberg asked if the Amsterdam Road/Jackrabbit lane intersection would have a left turn lane signal added. Mr. Bukvich noted if it is warranted, it would be installed by developers this summer. Mr. Ebert noted stacking at the interchange will be reviewed as traffic coming from Bozeman is stacking onto the interstate while waiting for the signal to change. 8. North Rouse Avenue Mr. Gammon reviewed the “mill and fill” improvement project, which will extend from Main Street to 2.9 miles north. He noted MDT should get bids back in the next week or so. Mr. Ebert noted the full reconstruction of Rouse Avenue from Main Street to Story Mill Road has been moved out to 2009. He noted MDT is installing concrete railroad crossings in all reconstruction. Mr. Gammon noted the City has agreed to reconstruct the manholes and valve bodies, and the work will be completed by June 30, 2005. He noted the project to widen the interstate will be coordinated to accommodate the Rouse Avenue widening project. 9. Durston Road Street Improvements Ms. Arkell reported the right-of-way for Durston Road from North 7th Avenue to North 19th Avenue has finally been obtained. She stated the City will try to bid and start the project this summer, with completion anticipated in 2006. She noted the improvements from North 19th Avenue to Fowler Avenue is under design, with plans to bid in 2006. 10. I-90 Improvements Mr. Ebert reported three projects are planned and scheduled to go to contract in February including: 1) Montana Rail Link overpass east of town, 2) bridge work on Valley Center Road, and 3) mill and overlay from Bozeman to Bear Canyon Exit. He reported the structure work will take two years with cross-over, two-way traffic during construction for both the Rouse Avenue and the North 7th Avenue structure improvements. He noted the east Bozeman interchange will be receiving seismic upgrades this summer also. He noted the wetland project at the east interchange is being completed by MSU. Mr. Ebert reported that construction of a turn lane from Frontage Road onto Nelson Road should start this spring. Mr. Bukvich noted the I-90 millings will be offered to the City. 11. Other Mr. Bukvich reported the installation of the pedestrian tunnel at Gallatin Gateway is planned for May, 2005. Mr. Ebert asked if the Jackrabbit Lane project should be added to update list. He noted it includes an access control along the corridor, and is planned for three sections: 1)Four Corners to Durston Road in 2007, 2) Frank Road to Valley Center Road, and 3)Durston Road to Valley Center Road will happen over the next ten years. He stated a multi-lane facility is being considered and will include frontage roads. The results of the study and proposed plan will be presented to County officials. Ms. Arkell asked for an update on the Huffine Lane study. Mr. Ebert noted an access control study from the Gallatin Valley Mall to Four Corners has been let with the plan scheduled to be completed sometime this or next year for presentation to the City and the County. Mr. Bukvich noted SEH would be giving a presentation tomorrow. He invited the City and County to attend the 9:00 a.m. meeting in MDT conference room. ITEM 8. ELECTION OF OFFICERS (NEW) Chairperson Epple opened nominations for Chairperson. Mr. Ebert nominated Andy Epple. The nomination was seconded by Mr. Lashaway. Chairperson Epple called for further nominations, and hearing none, he closed the nominations for Chairperson. Mr. Epple was unanimously elected. Chairperson Epple opened nominations for Vice Chairperson. Ms. Arkell nominated Mr. Gammon. The nomination was seconded by Mr. Ebert. Chairperson Epple called for further nominations, and hearing none, he closed the nominations for Vice Chairperson. Mr. Gammon was unanimously elected. Mr. Ebert asked if citizen members have to be reappointed by City and County officials. The Chair noted he and the recording secretary would look into the matter and also check with Mr. Menicucci about Belgrade continuing its membership. If Belgrade doesn’t want representation on the Bozeman Area Transportation Coordinating Committee, the Committee could amend its By-Laws at the next meeting. Mr. Ebert asked if Belgrade should still have a member on this committee, since Belgrade now has its own TCC. The Chair stated the position is included in the By-Laws, and the MOA also addresses it. It was suggested that Mr. Menicucci send Ms. Youngberg as his proxy. The Chair asked that the current By-Laws, MOA, and membership list be included in next packets. ITEM 9. DISCUSSION ITEMS - None ITEM 10. NEXT MEETING AND ADJOURNMENT Wednesday, April 27, 2005 - 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 11:25 a.m. _____________________________________________ Andrew Epple, Chairperson Bozeman Area Transportation Coordinating Committee