Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout042705 Transportation Coordinating Committee Minutes BOZEMAN AREA TRANSPORTATION COORDINATING COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2005 - 9:30 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. MINUTES ITEM 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ATTENDANCE Chairperson Andrew Epple called the meeting to order at 9:35 a.m. and directed the secretary to record the attendance following introductions. Mr. Zimmer noted that Taylor Lonsdale may be replacing him later today. Members Present Andrew Epple, Director, City of Bozeman, Planning and Community Development, TCC Chair Rick Hixson, representing Debbie Arkell, Director, City of Bozeman, Public Service Joe Olsen, Engineering Services Supervisor, Butte District, MDT Jim Nallick, Bozeman Area Bicycle Advisory Board Lee Provance, Gallatin County Road Supervisor Jeff Ebert, District Engineer, Butte District, MDT Chris Kukulski, City Manager, City of Bozeman Bob Lashaway, Representative, MSU Pat Abelin, Citizen Member, Gallatin County Resident Ross Gammon, Maintenance Chief, Bozeman Division, MDT Bill Murdock, Representative, Gallatin County Commission Kerry White, Representative, Gallatin County Planning Board David Smith, Citizen Member, City of Bozeman Resident Ralph Zimmer, Representative, TCC Pedestrian & Traffic Safety Committee John Van Delinder and Taylor Lonsdale, substituted for Mr. Zimmer when he left Chris Scott, Representative, Gallatin County Planning Staff Present Rob Bukvich, Engineer, Bozeman Division, MDT Sara Folger, CTEP Coordinator, City of Bozeman Al Vander Wey, Urban, MDT John VanDelinder, Superintendent, City of Bozeman Street Department Rich McLane, Representative, Bozeman Police Department Carol Schott, Recording Secretary Visitors Present David Kack, Western Transportation Institute Paul Reichert, Downtown Business Improvement District Debra Youngberg, Representative, Belgrade Chamber of Commerce Doug McFadden Tom Greason 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 on any item not appearing on the agenda. Paul Reichert, Downtown Business Partnership, stated his group was concerned with the Main Street project planned for 2006-2007. He noted their concerns were: 1) That a pedestrian crossing should be installed from the 777 Building to the new Bozeman Public Library as foot traffic will increase in that area as the library and other developments occur. He stated his group felt more crossings on East Main Street are needed. 2) That they would like to comment on the design elements, and asked who to contact. Joe Olsen stated he could send him a set of plans when they are developed. Mr. Reichert gave Mr. Olsen contact information. ITEM 3. MINUTES OF JANUARY 26, 2005 Chairperson Epple called for additions or corrections to the minutes of January 26, 2005. Hearing none, he declared the minutes approved as distributed. ITEM 4. TCC MEMBER REPORTS A. Transit Report David Kack, a technical member of the Transit Board, stated they have a preliminary blueprint of a system. He stated they are looking at starting a small system using the MSU buses and the Galavan system. He invited everyone to the upcoming meetings on May 4th and in June. Kerry White asked if there was any news of a park-and-ride lot at the Four Corners weigh station. Mr. Kack noted for the time being there will be room to store the vehicles at the new bus barn on the school district lot. Bill Murdock stated it is important that the MSU representative continue to attend the Transit Board meetings to stay in the loop and keep the group advised of projects MSU has planned. B. I-90/Airport Interchange Report – Pat Abelin Pat Abelin updated the TCC on the work completed the last two years. She noted the $50,000 feasibility study has been submitted to the State. She reported that the next step is to do the environmental study if the project is approved and can forward. She thanked the City of Belgrade and Gallatin County for their support. She noted the committee has met with Senator Baucus, who is working on the federal bill to fund transportation. City Manager Chris Kukukski asked if the property around the interchange was annexed into the City of Belgrade and if it was zoned for the urban scale development that will develop near the interchange. He stated that would be a good idea. Bob Lashaway verified that the Airport had committed $300,000 for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). It was noted the Airport commitment was to be refunded if the interchange wasn’t constructed. Jeff Ebert noted Jean Riley had sent a letter to MDT staff with the recommendation that an Environmental Assessment Statement (EAS) be required rather than an EIS. Ross Gammon asked about the reimbursement to the airport if the interchange doesn’t happen. Ms. Abelin noted the committee is working on the reimbursement from Gallatin County and City of Belgrade. She noted they are working on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). C. TSM’s Report Mr. Hixson noted there was nothing new to report. ITEM 5. OLD BUSINESS ITEM 6. NEW BUSINESS A. Increased Funding for Urban Areas – (See MDT letter dated 4/01/05) Mr. Ebert noted the State Transportation Commission decided to use other funding to increase the urban funds for each rapidly growing urban area. He reported that Bozeman, Missoula, and Kalispell were give additional funding due to the more than 15% increase in population. He noted that the South 19th Avenue project from Babcock Street to Kagy Boulevard would be fully funded and is scheduled for 2007 at the earliest. Bob Lashaway noted it will only help us relieve the pressures of the construction industry. City Manager Chris Kukulski noted the announcement was a pleasant surprise at the City Commission meeting. He asked if the bill went through to allow cities to borrow against the allocation. He suggested the City submit and complete projects as soon as possible. Mr. Provance asked if counties were able to borrow against the allowable allocation. Mr. Ebert noted they could; however, it would be a nine county bonding. David Smith noted counties were included in the legislation. Mr. Provance asked if a bond could be done against an unknown allocation. City Manager Kukulski noted the highway money isn’t guaranteed, however, it can be borrowed on. Mr. Ebert noted the nine counties would have to agree to the bonding. B. Gallatin Valley Bike Club – 10 minutes Tom Greason, Gallatin Valley Bike Club, asked for suggestions and input for more space along roadways to ride bikes. He stated he felt there would be more bicyclists with the rising cost of fuel. He noted the club’s concern was with the road shoulders being clean. He asked how can the Club work to ensure the clean shoulders. Doug McFadden, a Bike Club member, stated that cycling patterns have been shifting and there are only a certain number of arterials available to them. He noted Huffine Lane, North Rouse Avenue, and Highway 191 south to Gateway have a lot of debris on the shoulders. He suggested perhaps a grant could be obtained to sweep the shoulders. Mr. Gleason complimented the Bozeman Area Bicycle Board for their efforts in signing and obtaining bike lanes within the city of Bozeman. Mr. McFadden asked if the rumble strips could be located next to the white line to allow biking to the right of the rumble strip. He felt it would be better for the four-wheeled vehicle drivers and give cyclists more of a buffer zone. Mr. Gammon noted the sweepers have been out even earlier this year. However, they have only one sweeper, which is required to use water while sweeping. He noted they have 2500 miles of roadway to maintain. He asked the Bike Club to give him a list of preferred routes and he would commit to sweeping those areas first. He noted people who drive four-wheeled vehicles travel too fast and move the sand to the shoulders within 15 minutes of spreading. He described methods being used to clear roadways. He noted the area is not a PM10 area as of yet, and the department was picking up the sand as much as possible. He noted an additional sweeper would help. Mr. Greason asked if the club could help by applying for CTEP or other grants for additional equipment. He suggested the County provide the bikers with a wider shoulder when paving a county road. Mr. Provance noted the paving a roadway with wide shoulders could break the paving budget; therefore, the roadway would stay in a graveled state. He noted the county has one sweeper, which was used to clean intersections; however, they don’t make a priority for sweeping as they don’t have the man power. Mr. White asked what sweeping costs per mile. Mr. Gammon noted he could provide that information at a later date. He noted it would be more efficient to use pressurized water to wash the debris from the roadway. C. Other Mr. Gammon thanked David Smith of the Chamber of Commerce for installing an open cabinet with brochures at the Rest Area. He noted people have forwarded many positive comments about the brochures. City Manager Kukulski suggested adding the following to future agendas – 1) optional 2% gas tax, that no county has levied, be discussed. 2) methods to control garbage along the interstate from construction, trucks – perhaps discuss laws or requirements to cover vehicles. On this subject, Bill Murdock reported a bill was passed by the State Legislature to allow jail inmates to work along state and interstate highways. Mr. Gammon noted with the adopt-a-highway program, he urges participants to pick up trash twice a year. He noted there is a problem with debris flying from garbage trucks, private dump trucks, construction sites, etc. He suggested perhaps temporary law enforcement on weekends between Bozeman and Logan would help the situation. With regard to funding options, Mr. Reichert noted a remedy might be the formation of a transportation district and a property assessment enacted for identified projects. Chairperson Epple asked that both of these items be included on an upcoming agenda. Mr. Gammon moved, Mr. Lashaway seconded, to place the two items on the July agenda. The motion carried unanimously. ITEM 7. PROJECT UPDATES - Discussion only as needed MSU Projects Update Mr. Lashaway reported there were no projects planned that impact transportation. He noted the chemistry building is to be constructed, South 11th Avenue was currently being constructed to the VLT property, Fowler Avenue and Garfield Street extensions are set for construction, and a traffic signal is to be installed at Huffine Lane/Fowler Avenue. He noted there are significant issues due to design costs skyrocketing. Belgrade Projects Update Mr. Ebert noted the Main Street/Jackrabbit Lane intersection design is nearly complete, the purchasing of right-of-way is moving forward, and there are State funds and Urban funds to finance the project. He reported the State hopes to contract this fall for construction next year if the Federal Transportation Bill is completed and passed. Mr. Gammon noted Secondary 290 will have 2 miles resurfaced (Dry Creek Road). Mr. Ebert noted this will be financed with secondary road funding. CTEP Projects Sara Folger, City of Bozeman Grants Administrator, noted several projects are moving forward. She reported the Bike Lanes signage has been completed, street lighting in front of the Emerson Cultural Center is underway, and the Soroptimist Park project manual phase has been completed. She noted she would soon be advertising for a consultant for the Milwaukee Rail Road trail, and the goal is to begin design work this season. In March she reported she received approval for a new project to develop an 11th Avenue to Huffine Lane foot path. She noted upcoming projects she’d like to pursue are landscape improvements for the new library plaza, the design and installation of a section of pathway along Kagy Blvd., a pedestrian underpass to increase safety and pedestrian access from Lindley Park to the new library site south of East Main Street. Mr. Bukvich asked if the application for the pedestrian path from 11th to Huffine Lane has been submitted. Ms. Folger noted she is waiting for City Commission to sign the application. Jim Nallick commented on the signage program stating he has noticed some signs are not placed as the plans indicated. Ms. Folger noted if that is the case, it needs to be followed up on. Mr. Nallick noted he would bring it up for discussion at next week’s bike board meeting. Ms. Folger noted she didn’t know of any left-over signs. Mr. Ebert noted the State Highway Department has a project to resurface East Main Street and would like to coordinate it with the overpass project. Mr. Greason noted he’d like to meet with Ms. Folger on the safety issue. West Babcock Street Improvements Mr. Hixson noted the project has begun. He concurred with Mr. Lashaway that the costs are up from the estimates and everything costs more. He noted West Babcock Street is a mess with one-way traffic and flag people. He noted no structures have been moved, but there are power poles in the way on the east end and lots of trees have been removed. City Manager Kukulski asked if the Chamber could give info on the raising costs. He asked if more competition is needed. Mr. Smith noted materials and labor costs are increasing. Growth numbers aren’t decreasing. 5. South 19th Avenue - Main Street to Kagy Boulevard Mr. Hixson noted the design has gone as far as it can, funding decisions have been made, and it will be turned over to MDT. He noted the City is waiting on the acquisition of right-of-way. 6. North 19th Avenue/Valley Center Project Mr. Hixson noted contracts are being executed by the contractor. He stated the City will hold a pre-con and begin on project probably in May. He noted the project will take approximately nine months to complete. 7. Signal Projects a. Willson Avenue/College Street Mr. Ebert noted a public meeting is scheduled on May 9th with City Commission. He reported the State would have a rendering of the configuration of the proposed intersection. He reported the State is looking at 2006 for installation, if neighborhood issues are addressed. b. Other State officials reported permanent signalization of North 19th Avenue/Springhill Road and Highway 205/Springhill Road are underway. 8. North Rouse Avenue Mr. Gammon noted the contract for chip sealing North Rouse Avenue from Main Street to Story Mill Road has been awarded and the project is scheduled to be completed by June 30th. He reported Haggerty Lane will be chip sealed, and North 7th Avenue will be milled and filled also. 9. Durston Road Street Improvements Mr. Hixson noted the Durston Road project from North 7th Avenue to North19th Avenue probably won’t be let this year as there is only one contractor in the area and he already has two projects in the City. It becomes more like a proposal for a project than a bid under the circumstances. He reported the improvements to Durston Road from North 7th Avenue to Fowler Avenue extended will be scheduled for next summer. 10. I-90 Improvements Mr. Bukvich stated there are two projects – an overlay from Valley Center overpass to Bear Canyon and structure repair. The bridge construction will take two construction seasons. The roadway will be chip sealed next summer. 11. Huffine Lane Access Control Study Chris Scott noted two large subdivisions are under review in that area. He suggested perhaps making Cobb Hill/Huffine Lane a signalized intersection. He asked how the State feels about the Monforton School Road. Mr. Bukvich noted the issue is the Flikkema Farm on the north side of Huffine Lane which is being subdivided. He noted the State wants equally spaced signals at about one mile intervals. The exception is Monforton School Road, which needs to be swung to the east to meet Cobb Hill Road and be signalized. He noted Monforton School Road could stay where it is, but it would have much less traffic. He noted the extension of Durston Road to Monforton School Road would be advantageous. Mr. Provance noted he didn’t think the link would happen. Mr. Scott noted Durston Road probably won’t be a straight shot, but could have a curve. City Manager Kukulski asked if adequate, City-standard rights-of-way are being sought. Mr. Provance noted the County is not actively pursuing, but they are getting 45’ from center line. Mr. Bukvich noted the right-of-way issues haven’t been resolved on the Gallatin Gateway improvements. He noted the State can’t advertise for bids until right-of-way is secured. 12. Jackrabbit Lane Mr. Scott noted Robert Peccia and Associates is holding a meeting on Jackrabbit Lane next Wednesday at the Gallatin County Courthouse. Mr. Ebert noted the Jackrabbit Lane improvement was proposed as three projects and it has transitioned into two projects, with the transition at Hulbert Lane. 13. Other Mr. Reichert asked if there is an actual access study on Huffine Lane. Mr. Bukvich noted SEH is doing it. Mr. Lashaway discussed the proposed JCD Development south of MSU Foundation property. He noted the City would like to see a sewer line pass through the MSU property on South Fowler Road. He stated the University has received a letter of support from the City. He asked the County to supply a similar letter supporting City services for urban level developments located near the City. He reported that MSU has stated they are not in the position to block such a situation, and they don’t want septic issues in thirty years to be a problem. He stated MSU would prefer to cooperate with the City on the project and give the necessary right-of-way. City Manager Kukulski noted the City Commission had no reservations in allowing the Miller Annexation to be served by City services due to development at urban densities. ITEM 8. DISCUSSION ITEMS Mr. Murdock noted there have been discussions on funding for the interchange at Airport Road. He asked for examples of Memorandums Of Agreement with the State. He noted they are looking for methods for funding. ITEM 9. NEXT MEETING AND ADJOURNMENT Wednesday, July 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 11:45 p.m. _______________________________________ Andrew C. Epple, Chairperson Bozeman Area Transportation Coordinating Committee