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HomeMy WebLinkAbout072705 Transportation Coordinating Committee Minutes BOZEMAN AREA TRANSPORTATION COORDINATING COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2005 MINUTES ITEM 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ATTENDANCE Chairperson Andrew Epple called the meeting to order at 9:35 a.m. and asked the members and audience to introduce themselves. Members Present Andrew Epple, City of Bozeman Director of Planning and Community Development Debbie Arkell, City of Bozeman Director of Public Service Joe Olsen, Engineering Services Supervisor, Butte District, MDT David Baumbauer, Representative, Bozeman Area Bicycle Advisory Board Lee Provance, Gallatin County Road Supervisor Jeff Ebert, District Engineer, Butte, District, MDT Pam Barrett, Proxy for Bob Lashaway, Representative, MSU Ross Gammon, Maintenance Chief, Bozeman Division MDT David Smith, Citizen Member, City of Bozeman Resident Lynn Zanto, Alternate for Dick Turner, Supervisor, Urban Planning, MDT Taylor Lonsdale, Alternate for Ralph Zimmer, Pedestrian & Traffic Safety Committee Chris Scott, Representative, Gallatin County Planning Office Staff Present Rob Bukvich, Engineer, Bozeman Division, MDT John VanDelinder, Superintendent, Street Department, City of Bozeman Rick Hixson, City Engineer, City of Bozeman Sara Folger, Grants Coordinator, City of Bozeman Visitors Present Debe Youngberg, Representative, City of 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 on any public matter within the jurisdiction of the Bozeman Area transportation Coordinating Committee and not on this agenda, and hearing none, he closed the public comment portion of the meeting. ITEM 3. MINUTES OF APRIL 27, 2005 Chairperson Epple called for corrections or additions to the minutes of April 27, 2005. Ms. Arkell noted on page 3, under New Business, the third sentence should read, “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.” Mr. Provance moved, Mr. Ebert seconded, to approve the minutes of April 27, 2005 as amended. The motion carried unanimously. ITEM 4. TCC MEMBER REPORTS A. Transit Report Ms. Arkell reported Yellowstone Park plans to give the City one of their yellow buses to use for shuttling MSU students during the first week of class. B. I-90/Airport Interchange Report – Pat Abelin Mr. Ebert reported a sub-group has been formed to solicit requests for qualifications. He noted four or five responses were received from consultants. The sub-group has met with the top three, interviewed them as to how the EA would be completed, and a full recommendation was made to full committee last week. He reported HKM/Morrison-Maierle was selected to make the assessment. A scoping meeting is scheduled for August 16, 2005, in MDT office in Bozeman. He noted the purpose of the meeting is to go over detail of the consultants’ proposal and make sure all items were covered. He stated the next step is that the consultant will be asked to submit a cost proposal, which would be forwarded to the interchange committee. He noted the sub-committee would then make a recommendation to whole committee, who will give a presentation to the County Commission. He reported that if the proposal was approved, a contract would be completed for the EA. He noted two Memorandums of Agreement (MOA) must be completed. 1) A MOA is being circulated between MDT and Gallatin County, and 2) A second MOA would cover the funding arrangement. He stated Gallatin County would be the sponsoring agent for the interchange. He reported the MDT department met to determine preliminary costs and will present the report to their director in mid-August. Mr. Ebert reported the Transportation Bill is in committee and may be signed soon. It contains $8 million for the Belgrade interchange and $4 million for the parking garage. Mr. Smith reported he’s been told by Belgrade individuals that the City of Bozeman doesn’t want the interchange. He suggested the TCC group make a comment to Belgrade of their intentions. Mr. Bukvich noted the confusion lies in a comment from former City Manager Clark Johnson had stating that the City of Bozeman had no interest in funding the analysis of the need for the interchange. He noted it is listed as the second highest priority in the Bozeman Area Transportation Plan 2001, which was adopted by the Bozeman City Commission. C. TSM’s Report Ms. Arkell reported Senator Burns’ office has stated there is $5 million in the Highway Bill for the reconstruction of South 19th Avenue. Mr. Bukvich noted the City would have to match 7% of the funding. She suggested the TCC review the MACI list at the next meeting. Ms. Arkell noted several new projects have been discussed with the Street Department and Engineering Department, several of which may have merit. Mr. Bukvich noted MDT would like to have input on those decisions. It was suggested the October agenda should include a list crossing off what is complete, re-prioritizing what is left, and suggesting additions to the list. Chairperson Epple asked Ms. Arkell to prepare the list for the October packets. Rick Hixson noted the 2001 Plan is nearing the end of its useful life and if updated, would better serve the community. He noted the projected growth rate was 2 ½% while in reality it has been 5 to 6% in the County and City. Mr. Bukvich noted the long term plan is out of date. He suggested that the grid system be extended and right-of-way be purchased. Chairperson Epple noted the update isn’t in this year’s budget; however, it could be included in next year’s budget request. Lynn Zanto noted the State has funding to assist with the project update and the process could start anytime. Tom Stuber reported on a transit meeting held at the Gallatin County Courthouse. He noted the final application for transit dollars is to be submitted by February 1, 2006. He asked to review the application material prior to submission. Chairperson Epple noted the transit committee could be asked to come to the October meeting. David Smith reported the committee is reviewing the use of Galavan and Bobcat Transit funding as the match for Federal funding, considering a partnership with Clean Cities for busses, investigating several routes, and beginning with a smaller system, then expanding it as needed. He noted that Chris Budeski is the chair of the Transit Committee. Chairperson Epple stated Mr. Budeski would be contacted for a report at the October meeting. D. Other Mr. Bukvich noted there is an operational problem at Griffin Drive and North 7th Avenue. He asked the City to obtain the necessary right-of-way when the redevelopment of the northeast corner is done. Mr. Smith asked if MDT has looked at the north bound lanes on North 7th Avenue. Mr. Gammon reported North 7th Avenue will be chip sealed and then re-striped. ITEM 5. OLD BUSINESS There was none. ITEM 6. NEW BUSINESS A. 2% gas tax to fund road/street improvements It was noted that the benefit under State law may be only available to counties. Mr. Provance noted he didn’t think it was a good time to ask for an increase in gas taxes; however, he stated the County Commission may consider the option differently. It was reported that as of yet no proposals of this nature have been passed in this State. A suggestion was that monies raised might be a funding source for the Belgrade interchange. B. Garbage control along highways. Mr. Bukvich noted the SAE House has volunteered to pick up trash along the North 7th Avenue and North 19th Avenue interchanges and if need be, he could encourage them to clean more often. Mr. Gammon reported his crews have been picking up debris on a regular basis. C. Procedures to comply with requirements for annexation of ROW in conjunction with other annexations Chairperson Epple reported that Assistant Planning Director Chris Saunders has developed a policy with the County as a form letter that authorizes the annexation of right-of-way with adjacent properties, which he stated seemed to be working well. D. Status/Use of 2001 Transportation Plan Update (Durston Road and Oak Street extensions to Jackrabbit Lane Chairperson Epple noted the recently proposed subdivisions in the County brings into focus the need for street rights-of-way following the Greater Bozeman Area Transportation Plan 2001 Update, figure 11.6, for the corridor needs extending east/west streets to Jackrabbit Lane. He noted, for example, that the Monforton School Road isn’t addressed at length in the subdivision proposals; however, adequate rights-of-way need to be acquired for the future. Mr. Provance noted they do take the 2001 Transportation Plan into consideration as much as possible. He noted the County Commission is considering abandoning Monforton School Road in front of the school and, instead, construct a curvilinear feature in the future. He noted the current county road standard is 45’ from the center line. Chairperson Epple noted 100 feet of right-of-way is standard for collectors. Mr. Bukvich asked that the County be encouraged to adopt the 2001 Transportation Plan prior to work beginning on the new update. Chris Scott noted his staff has been directed to bring forward the 2001 Transportation Plan to the County Commission for adoption with relaxations to some of the standards. Chairperson Epple noted the grid system of collectors and arterials is essential for the development of the area. Mr. Provance noted he needs more right-of-way for road widening and snow removal; however, the standards used for subdivision approval don’t always meet those needs. He asked if the continuation of Oak Street through to Jackrabbit Lane is a dead deal. Chairperson Epple stated the City would like to see it continue. He noted east/west streets, especially Oak Street, Baxter Lane, and Durston Road, should be extended. Mr. Provance noted there is a frontage road along Jackrabbit Lane will intercept Oak Street before it reaches Jackrabbit Lane. Mr. Bukvich asked if there is a role for TCC in the issue – perhaps a blanket letter requesting the acquisition of the right-of-way shown in the 2001 Plan. Mr. Scott noted the County subdivision road standards would have to be amended. Chairperson Epple noted a letter from the TCC encouraging the County Commission to adopt the Plan might be in order, and TCC could encourage the County Commission to adhere to the right-of-way standards in the 2001 Plan. Mr. Bukvich suggested TCC members attend the meeting and testify as to why the right-of-way is needed. He noted the most important part of the 2001 Plan is the requirement of right-of-way during subdivision. Mr. Provance noted it is a complicated issue as the wider road widths would require more millings for paving and fewer roads paved. Mr. Hixson noted the City often constructs a narrower road width than the width the right-of-way obtained. MOTION: Mr. Ebert moved, Ms. Arkell seconded, that the TCC President write a letter to County Commission encouraging them to adopt the 2001 Plan. The motion was approved unanimously. ITEM 7. PROJECT UPDATES - Discussion only as needed MSU Projects Update Belgrade Projects Update Mr. Bukvich noted MDT plans to go to contract on improvements to Jackrabbit Lane and Main Street sometime in fall, to be under construction next spring/summer. Mr. Gammon noted the urban route has had a short overlay and will be chip sealed by the end of August. Debe Youngberg noted funding for five lanes has been included in the City Budget. Mr. Bukvich noted the engineering for the Oregon Street crossing has been reported to be funded with Urban funds. Ms. Zanto stated she would confirm the Urban funding for that crossing. Mr. Ebert reported the Madison Avenue/Jackrabbit Lane request for a turn lane to prevent stacking is being engineered. And, he noted, MDT is studying the Amsterdam I-90 exit for improvements. CTEP Projects Sara Folger, Grants Coordinator for the City of Bozeman, reported two projects have been withdrawn and picked up by MDT 1) ADS pedestrian ramps and historic signalized intersections on Main Street, and 2) the City Commission has asked for funding for landscaping for new library. She stated she has heard from CTEP that the 2005 application for a shared use pathway from South 11th Avenue along College Street to Huffine Lane and continuing along Huffine Lane to Cottonwood Avenue is among the applications received. The applications will be reviewed by the State CTEP bureau July 28th. She noted she is waiting to hear from City Commission if Soroptimist Park is back on the list or what is to happen to it. She has not been directed by City Commission to write a letter requesting withdrawal of the project. She stated she is waiting for direction from the City Manager and the City Commission. West Babcock Street Improvements Mr. Hixson noted the improvements are proceeding and on schedule. He stated JTL is nearly ready to overlay the section from Fowler Avenue to Hunters Way. 5. South 19th Avenue - Main Street to Kagy Boulevard Ms. Arkell reported the design is approved and has been passed to MDT for completion. Mr. Ebert noted the project has been assigned to a new project manager as the previous project manager retired. Mr. Bukvich noted the project should be moved up on the priority list as it is delaying progress on the reconstruction of the intersection. He noted it is currently scheduled for the summer of 2007. He stated a third project is for the signalization of Koch Street and South 19th Avenue, which will be part of the South 19th Avenue project. 6. North 19th Avenue/Valley Center Project Mr. Hixson reported the project is progressing well and is on schedule. He noted the utility companies are not always on schedule with their improvements. 7. Signal Projects a. Willson Avenue/College Street Mr. Ebert reported they met the public at a City Commission meeting. He stated residents in the area testified they don’t want a signal there. He noted the Police Department wrote a letter in support. He discussed the proposed design and possible changes to allow parking on one side of Willson Avenue, eliminating left turns, and compromises made for City Commission approval. Mr. Smith asked about installing a 4-way stop at the intersection of South Tracy Avenue /College Street. Ms. Arkell reported a study had been which recommended a signal rather than stop signs and she would share it with him. b. Other Ms. Folger noted applications have been submitted for hazard elimination for three intersections. - College Street and South 23rd Avenue, South 11th Avenue and Koch Street, and Mendenhall Street and North 7th Avenue. Mr. Bukvich noted the North 7th Avenue and Mendenhall Street intersection is part of a current project, and College Street and South 23rd Avenue has no accident record. He stated South 11th Avenue and Koch Street will be studied after school has begun with a further report expected in October. Mr. Bukvich noted the improvements to North 7th Avenue and Mendenhall Street have been on the TSM list since at least 1986. 8. North Rouse Avenue Mr. Gammon reported the project was completed in June. He thanked the City, especially John Alston’s crew for their help. Mr. Ebert noted HKM Engineering has been contracted to do the surveying and design the full reconstruct project. He announced a public informational meeting will be held this fall or early winter. He stated the earliest construction could begin was 2010. 9. Durston Road Street Improvements Mr. Hixson noted plans are complete for the improvements from North 7th Avenue to North 19th Avenue. He stated the median will remain in place from North 19th Avenue west to North 21st Avenue by City Commission directive. He noted his department plans to create the SID’s this fall for construction from North 7th Avenue to Fowler Avenue. He stated Durston Road from Fowler Avenue to Ferguson Avenue has right-of-way issues. He reported the City is requiring the developer to construct his half of the street rather than do SID’s after the street facility is needed. Mr. Provance asked if the speed limit will be raised. Ms. Arkell noted a speed study would be done and the speed limit set based on the speed study. 10. I-90 Improvements Mr. Ebert noted the contractor is waiting for the beams for the MRL overpass. They had expected delivery by August 1st. He stated the first layer of paving is completed. 11. Huffine Lane Access Control Study Mr. Ebert noted there is nothing new to report as SEH consultants were working on it, but have moved out of Montana. He stated deliverables were due this summer haven’t been received; only the field work has been done. 12. Jackrabbit Lane Mr. Bukvich noted Peccia has distributed a first draft of the access control document for this project. He noted developers will be encouraged to install frontage roads on either side of the five lane system on Jackrabbit Lane. Mr. Provance asked if there any guidelines for the County to use for those frontage roads or should the developers be encouraged to see MDT. Mr. Bukvich stated developers should contact MDT for the specifications. 13. Other Mr. Gammon stated a mill and fill project on North 7th between the east and west Interstate interchanges is scheduled for next year. Mr. Smith noted he’d received a request for a hospital sign for the East Main Street exit. It was noted there are signs, but they may have been obscured during bridge construction this summer. Mr. Bukvich noted signalization of Springhill Road/North 19th Avenue is in the works. Mr. Provance thanked MDT for millings and described the use of them on several county roads in the area. Ms. Arkell asked about the Wallace Avenue/Tamarack Street improvements. John Vandelinder reviewed the planned improvements, including paving on L Street. He also discussed planned improvements to the Griffin Drive railroad crossing, and removal of the spur line on Rouse Avenue. ITEM 8. DISCUSSION ITEMS There were none. ITEM 9. NEXT MEETING AND ADJOURNMENT Wednesday, October 26, 2005 - Regular meeting 9:30 a.m. There being no further business to be conducted, the meeting was adjourned at 11:40 a.m. ___________________________________ Andrew Epple, Chairperson Bozeman Area Transportation Committee