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HomeMy WebLinkAbout102605 Transportation Coordinating Committee Minutes BOZEMAN AREA TRANSPORTATION COORDINATING COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2005 - 9:30 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. MINUTES ITEM 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ATTENDANCE Vice Chairperson Ross Gammon called to order at 9:35 a.m. and directed the members and audience to introduce themselves. Members Present Chris Saunders, Assistant Planning Director, Bozeman, representing Andy Epple Debbie Arkell, Director of Public Service, Bozeman Joe Walsh, representing Joe Olsen, Engineering Services Supervisor, Butte District, MDT Jon Henderson, alternate, Bozeman Area Bicycle Advisory Board Lee Provance, Gallatin County Road Supervisor Jeff Ebert, District Engineer, Butte District, MDT Chris Kukulski, City Manager, Bozeman Ed Sondeno, representing Bob Lashaway, MSU Representative Pat Abelin, Citizen Member, Gallatin County Resident Ross Gammon, Maintenance Chief, Bozeman Division, MDT Kerry White, Representative, Gallatin County Planning Board David Smith, Citizen Member, City of Bozeman Resident Alan VanderWey, representing Lynn Zanto, Statewide Urban Planning Ralph Zimmer, Representative, Pedestrian & Traffic Safety Committee Chris Scott, Representative, Gallatin County Planning Office Staff Present Rob Bukvich, Engineer, Bozeman Division, MDT Sarah Folger, CTEP, Bozeman John Vandelinder, Superintendent, Streets, Bozeman Carol Schott, Recording Secretary 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 Gammon opened the meeting for public comment, and hearing none, he closed the public comment portion of the meeting. ITEM 3. MINUTES OF JULY 27, 2005 Chairperson Gammon called for corrections or additions to the minutes. Mr. Ebert noted under Item 4.B on page 2, both of the “EIS” references should read “EA;” page 6, strike “with the” in the first sentence of Item 7; and on page 7, Item 12, first sentence, delete “design” and add “access control.” Ms. Arkell moved, Mr. Ebert seconded, to approve the minutes of July 27, 2005 as amended. The motion carried unanimously. ITEM 4. TCC MEMBER REPORTS A. Transit Report 1. Chris Budeski – Transit Committee Report Chris Budeski, Stakeholders Advisory Board, reported on the progress of the feasibility study, potential routes, funding, and their recommendation to the City and County for operating monies for the transit district. He explained the immediate future of the transit system using the Bobcat Transit and Galavan/HRDC buses. In response to Ms. Arkell, he noted HRDC is to be the recipient of the funds and would administer them until the creation of a UTD district. Ms. Arkell asked if they had made application for federal funds. Mr. Budeski noted they are working on the application, which is due to be submitted by February 1, 2006. 2. Jeff Rupp – Transportation Partnership Jeff Rupp, board member, reported that ASMSU and HRDC have a combined budget of $ 300,000.00 available to use as matching dollars for a grant from the Federal Government. He estimated that funding for operation of the system would require about 10 mills. He noted that MDT has been very encouraging and supportive of a transportation system. He noted the assets would be transferred to the new governing body of the Urban Transit District (UTD) when it is formed. Responding to the question of where park-and-ride lots would be located, Mr. Budeski, board member, noted the bus routes will change over time. The responsibility of where to locate the park-and-ride lots will be in the hands of HRDC, in the interim, then transferred to the UTD when it is formed. Mr. White asked if parking areas are included in the system. Mr. Budeski noted that Park and Rides would be established after the routes are determined. He noted the results of the survey will be available at the City Planning Office. Mr. Bukvich asked what the projected timing was for the UTD to be on a ballot. Mr. Budeski noted there are two votes required: one to create the UTD district, and one to create a funding source. He noted the current system is just an interim system until the UTD can be formed. B. I-90/Airport Interchange Report – Pat Abelin Ms. Abelin reported the committee is working with Morrison-Maierle, Inc. and HKM on the EA for the interchange. She announced two meetings: the first on November 1st with the State Transportation Department and the second on November 15th with the Congressional delegation to discuss the $28 million needed to fund the project. She stated the committee has experienced wonderful cooperation with MDT. Mr. Smith asked where the first $8 million originated. Ms. Abelin noted the monies were part of the 2005 Transportation Bill. C. TSM’s Report {To be discussed as New Business} D. Bike Advisory Board {See also New Business} E. Other TCC Member Reports Mr. Zimmer noted the Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Committee is meeting regularly and will meet next week in the Al Stiff Bldg. at noon. He explained the membership and noted they are always looking for projects to review. Mr. Bukvich noted Belgrade may have some projects for them to review. Mr. Sondeno announced the beginning of construction of the new building on the MSU campus. He stated the campus parking garage is on hold for the time being. ITEM 5. OLD BUSINESS A. Status of Bozeman Area Transportation Plan 2001 Update - Gallatin County Mr. Scott stated the Gallatin County Commission is moving forward on adoption of the Plan and will hold the public hearing for Resolution of Intent to Adopt on November 15th. He noted it was heard October 25, 2005 by County Planning Board. Mr. White noted the document is four years old and the Board was reluctant to offer a recommendation as the interchange at the airport wasn’t included in it. Ms. Arkell stated the airport interchange is listed second on the priorities list near the back of the Plan. Mr. White noted right-of-way acquisition should be a priority for the connectors. He reported that Baxter Lane is a major collector. He stated roads should disburse traffic onto other collectors rather than funneling it onto arterials. He noted the County Planning Board authorized a sewer study for the Golden Triangle with a possibility of a sewer trunk installed north on Jackrabbit Lane. He asked the TCC to offer support and pressure to the County Commission to adopt the Plan. Mr. Kukulski noted that whatever the TCC can do to ensure the proper amount of right-of-way is obtained for future street needs should be done. He stated it is a problem when the cost for acquisition of right-of-way is greater than the installation of the roadway. Mr. Zimmer noted his committee would be in favor of the right-of-way which includes sidewalks. Mr. White noted the County needs to step up and get the right-of-way during the subdivision review. MOTION: Mr. Kukulski moved to strongly encourage the County Commission to adopt the road standards portion of the Plan at a minimum. Mr. Zimmer seconded the motion. Mr. Provance stated he felt the County Commission wouldn’t adopt just a portion of the Plan. He noted he felt the full Plan would be adopted in mid-December. Mr. Kukulski asked if the County Planning Office and Road Department are supportive of the adoption. Mr. Scott and Mr. Provance indicated both departments support the plan. Mr. Provance noted developers don’t want to give the additional right-of-way; however, if the County Commission is consistent, the plan would work as developed. Mr. Kukulski offered to withdrew his motion if it were counterproductive. Mr. Scott noted the City Public Works Director gives comments to any subdivision within 3 miles of the city and those comments are looked at closely by the County Planning Office and the County Planning Board. It was noted the major roadways that deadend onto a golf course were not advisable. Ms. Arkell offered a friendly amendment to the motion to have the TCC send a letter to County Commission thanking them for considering the letter sent earlier. Mr. Provance seconded. Mr. White suggested the TCC could suggest the County prioritize the road extensions needed for connectivity. Mr. Bukvich noted, without the adoption of the plan, the acquisition of right-of-way cannot be forced. Mr. Zimmer noted he would agree to the friendly amendment if it included adequate right-of-way if it includes pedestrian facilities. Discussion followed on exceptions made by County Commission with Mr. Provance noting exceptions have been made in the past. Mr. Zimmer asked that a sentence be added to ensure no exceptions were made. Mr. Kukulski offered an addition sentence to encourage the County Commission to adopt the plan. The amendment and motion each carried unanimously. Mr. Zimmer asked how his committee would be aware that exceptions were made in county subdivisions. He noted the committee would be interested in reviewing county subdivisions. Mr. Provance noted he would have his engineer or County Planning notify the committee of proposed subdivisions in the area. They discussed what area to use, and decided upon the Golden Triangle. B. Other Old Business - None ITEM 6. NEW BUSINESS A. Interim Update of Bozeman Area Transportation Plan 2001 1. Review TSM projects list – Debbie Arkell a. Eliminate completed projects Ms. Arkell reported that MDT and City Staff have determined that a full Transportation Plan Update be done rather than an interim update. She distributed the TSM list and noted most of the items have been completed. She noted that Lynn Zanto, Urban Planning, MDT, was ready to fund 50% of the cost of a full update of the Bozeman Area Transportation 2001. Chris Saunders noted a majority of the foundation data has been kept updated by Alan VanderWey of MDT; therefore, a shorter time frame would be required to complete the updated version as a new plan. Mr. White asked if the traffic study for Jackrabbit Lane was completed for signalization of Jackrabbit Lane/Baxter Lane intersection. Mr. Bukvich noted the study wasn’t done for warrants, but for accesses. Mr. VanderWey asked if a consultant would be hired to do the update. Mr. Saunders noted city and county offices are very busy and couldn’t do it in-house. MOTION: Mr. Zimmer moved, Mr. White seconded, to authorize an full update of the Bozeman Area 2001 Transportation Plan. Ms. Arkell reviewed the TSM list, indicating the items completed, underway, and to be completed in the future. Mr. Provance requested that TSM #14 be left on the list, which was acceptable to the Committee. b. Add new projects c. Re-prioritize remaining projects It was determined that items b. and c. will be addressed with the new Bozeman Area Transportation Plan. 2. Update Bike Route Network for Improved & Expanded Route – David Baumbauer Jon Henderson, Bicycle Board member, reviewed the work of the Bike Board, including the reviews of the current and proposed systems. He stated the Board is looking for guidance as to how to proceed, with better data and information with making an official recommendation. He suggested perhaps an administrative policy should be formulated. Mr. Bukvich noted the new routes should follow the standards in the 2001 Plan. Mr. Henderson suggested the update include a bike lane in all collector and arterial sections. He asked if an administration interpretation or policy from this board would help solidify the decisions over the next 18 months while the update is being done. Ms. Arkell noted the bike route map was blessed by the TCC. Mr. Hixson concurred that the bicycle chapter needs to be addressed in the update as well as pedestrian/bike problems. It was suggested that a bike/pedestrian specialist be a member of the committee working on the update. Mr. Henderson noted the board would like to see both the map and the road sections section amended. Mr. Kukulski suggested the TCC take an action that bike lanes are important and should be given consideration when reviewing subdivisions. Mr. Henderson asked for clarification of the emergency/bike lanes and if they are signed as bike lanes. Mr. Bukvich noted the signage would put restrictions on the lanes for emergency use. Mr. Henderson asked that bike lanes be signed. 3. Discussion of potential additional street sections To be addressed with the update. 4. Public Participation; Schedule for completion To be addressed with the update. 5. Other tasks B. Review MACI Project List To be addressed with the update. C. Other New Business ITEM 7. PROJECT UPDATES - Discussion only as needed MSU Projects Update Belgrade Projects Update Mr. Bukvich noted MDT is going to contract with the Main Street/Jackrabbit Lane intersection, with bid opening in March and construction next summer. CTEP Projects Sara Folger, CTEP and Grants Coordinator for the City of Bozeman, reported no new updates on existing projects. She announced a new project of a shared pathway from 11th Avenue to Huffine Lane, crossing at Fowler Avenue to the north side, continuing to Ferguson Avenue. She reported she has project manuals on rails/trails, on the new library project, and Soroptimist Park. She noted that the CTEP program will administer the Library monies from the Transportation Bill. Discussions followed on how to use the monies. She reported that Martell Construction is working on designs for parking lot and public plaza. She stated no decisions have been made. West Babcock Street Improvements Mr. Hixson announced the ribbon cutting would be held on November 10th. South 19th Avenue - Main Street to Kagy Boulevard Mr. Ebert reported some additional work remains to be done on the plans. He noted there is right-of-way needed to make the turning radii work. Mr. Hixson noted if the City needs to obtain some right-of-way, that is possible and the City would use Urban Funds for financing. He reviewed the dollar amounts available. Mr. Ebert noted MDT will use urban funds to purchase right-of-way and finish the design. Ms. Arkell asked that the City be given the opportunity to obtain the right-of-way prior to MDT offering to purchase it. She stated Mr. Hixson will contact TD&H to begin the process. 6. North 19th Avenue/Valley Center Project Ms. Arkell noted the project is on schedule, the median will be painted following the 28 day curing process. Mr. Kukulski asked to meet with MDT to get more info on the safety of medians. Mr. Smith asked if there would be a turn arrow at Baxter Lane and North 19th Avenue. Mr. Ebert noted the turn lane would be added during completion of construction. Mr. Smith asked why there are no street lights from Baxter Lane to Oak Street. During discussion, MDT ensured the Committee that street lighting would be installed with development. 7. Signal Projects a. Willson Avenue/College Street Mr. Ebert announced a public meeting was scheduled at Longfellow School on November 9th. He noted the project is scheduled to go before the City Commission on November 21st. b. Other Mr. Bukvich noted the contracts for signals at 19th Avenue/Springhill Road and Springhill Road/Frontage Road intersections will be let next week, and are expected to be installed in early spring. 8. North Rouse Avenue Mr. Ebert noted MDT is completing the survey work, and have done the utility locates. He announced the public scoping meetings would be held this winter. 9. Durston Road Street Improvements Ms. Arkell stated the City plans to open bids this winter for the full length from North 7th Avenue to Fowler, to be done in two sections. 10. I-90 Improvements Mr. Ebert noted work is winding down for the summer. He noted the majority of bridge work is done; however, they are still working on the Montana Rail Link bridge. He stated they hope to have both lanes of traffic open during the winter, with work on the bridges to continue next spring. He noted chipsealing would be done next spring. He noted the structures at North 7th and North Rouse are scheduled for repair in 2007. 11. Huffine Lane Access Control Study Mr. Ebert stated he is waiting to hear from SEH on the study. 12. Jackrabbit Lane MDT officials stated the access control study is out for final review and should be ready for public comment soon. Mr. Ebert noted the plan is for two projects, the first from Four Corners to Hulbert Road and the second from Hulbert Road to where the roadway widens just south of Belgrade. The project should begin in 2008 or 2009. Mr. Saunders asked if Four Corners south would be considered next. Mr. Ebert noted that section should be next. 13. Other Mr. Gammon noted the mill/fill and overlay on North Rouse Avenue is completed as are the repairs to the handicapped ramps on North 7th. Mr. Saunders noted consultants are being sought for improvements on North 19th Avenue, including bussing, shuttle service, sidewalks, etc. He also noted the Story Mill has been acquired by the developer who also owns the property across Story Mill Road. He noted the City expects to see development plans in the near future. He discussed issues with the increase of traffic with the new subdivisions being developed along Bridger Drive. ITEM 8. DISCUSSION ITEMS There were none. ITEM 9. NEXT MEETING AND ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Bozeman Area Transportation Committee, the meeting adjourned at 12:05. The next meeting will be held Wednesday, January 25, 2006 as a Regular meeting at 9:30 a.m. ______________________________________________ Ross Gammon, Vice Chairperson Bozeman Area Transportation Committee