HomeMy WebLinkAbout092403 Transportation Coordinating Committee Minutes BOZEMAN AREA TRANSPORTATION COORDINATING COMMITTEE
PUBLIC HEARING FOR
THE BOZEMAN DOWNTOWN TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENT STUDY
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2003, 7:00 P.M.
MINUTES
ITEM 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ATTENDANCE
Acting Chairperson Debbie Arkell called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. and directed the secretary to record the attendance.
Members Present
Debbie Arkell, Director of Public Service, Bozeman
Kerry White, Representative, Gallatin County Planning Board
Mark Haggerty, Citizen Member, City of Bozeman Resident
Lesly Tribelhorn, Engineering Services Supervisor, Butte District MDT
Jeff Ebert, District Engineer, Butte District MDT
Chris Scott, Representative, Gallatin County Planning Office
Bob Lashaway, Representative MSU
Rob Bukvich, Engineer, Bozeman Division MDT (Alternate for Ross Gammon)
Ralph Zimmer, Representative, Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Committee
David Baumbauer, Representative, Bozeman Area Bicycle Advisory Board
Staff Present
Jarvis Brown, City Commissioner
John VanDelinder, Superintendent of Streets/Sanitation, Bozeman
Carol Schott, Recording Secretary
Visitors Present
Bert Hopeman Thomas M. Paukin Clark Finch
Jennifer Fraser Jim Reid Bob Fletcher
Harry Hughes Ron Hensen Ron Krager
Margo Krager Kendra Keene Sandi Hamilton
Roger Hamilton Charles Day Russ Nelson
Jim Pepper Robert Hamlin Doug Wales
Steve Schnee June Schweitzer Jeff Krauss
Frank Harrington Silvia Harrington Gary Vodehnal
Kate Wright Robbie Gammack Tom Gammack
Bobby Cove Rob Funderbunk Mary D.W. Jacobs
Chris Pope
ITEM 2. PUBLIC HEARING
A. PROJECT DESCRIPTION (Short, Elliott, Hendrickson, Inc.)
Acting Chairperson Arkell described TCC and its role in this review. She briefly described the Downtown Improvements Study and introduced Bert Hopeman, chairperson of the Downtown Partnership.
Mr. Hopeman reviewed the establishment of the partnership organization and how the Downtown Traffic Improvement Study was envisioned as a tool for improving the safety for automobiles,
bicycles, and pedestrians as part of the Urban Renewal Plan. He introduced the SEH, Inc. representatives, Ron Hensen and Harry Hughes. He noted of the 13 recommended improvements,
12 were approved by the Partnership, with the recommendation that the mid-block pedestrian crossing between Rouse and Bozeman Avenues not be accepted.
Ron Hensen, SEH, described the methodology for gathering data, including: where the heavy traffic movements occurred, safety of intersections, parking, and pedestrian traffic. He discussed
the traffic signal recommendations and reviewed the changes made by the three-lane cross-section, including the safety features. Mr. Henson compared the recommended improvements to
similar improvements in Boulder, CO. He reviewed the recommendations: 1) the couplets be left as they are, 2) the extension of Mendenhall one-way to Wallace Avenue and change Wallace
Avenue from Babcock to Mendenhall to a one-way northbound, 3) traffic pacer lights on Babcock and Mendenhall Streets to create a better flow situation, 4) bicycle and pedestrian improvements,
5) the bulbing-out of intersections and determining what to do with the current drainage, which might be blocked by the bulb-out, and 6) install pedestrian timers. He noted most of
the off-street parking is in parking lots between Mendenhall Street and Main Street. He suggested more parking spaces should be developed on the south side of Main Street.
Acting Chairperson Arkell asked if Boulder’s Main Street is a state highway. Mr. Hensen noted the main streets have three lane sections, most of which have no bike lanes and none have
on-street parking, but that their Main Street is not a state highway.
B. OPEN HEARING FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
Acting Chairperson Arkell noted eight letters of comment have been received to date, including a letter she received from Mr. Barry Vanderhorst asking for different signage at the Babcock
Street/Rouse Avenue intersection.
Acting Chairperson Arkell OPENED THE PUBLIC COMMENT PORTION OF THE HEARING, asking each speaker to introduce themselves for the record.
Clark Finch, owner of Heeb’s Grocery, stated he is opposed to the one-way recommendation for Wallace Avenue between Babcock Street and Main Street. He noted the signal at Wallace Avenue
and Main Street has been very helpful in moving traffic in the area as
80% of the traffic leaves his parking lot via Wallace Street because it is too dangerouse to exit directly to Main Street. If all three lanes on Wallace were backed up, his customers
would have no place to exit. He added that 60% of the traffic turns south on Wallace, as many of his customers are from the south side of town. If Wallace is made one-way north bound,
it will be very inconvenient for those customers. He noted that changing from four lanes to three lanes would force the closure of Bozeman’s last family grocery store as there isn’t
enough room to unload the delivery vehicles in that scenario. He stated the store has survived the loss of several parking spots with previous renovations to Main Street. However,
he noted this proposal would eliminate his business.
Silvia Harrington, Harrington’s Used Furniture in the 200 block of South Wallace, read her family’s letter into the record, which opposed the one-way proposal for Wallace Street, as
it will greatly restrict access to their business.
Robbie Gammack asked if a sign might be installed at the intersection of 7th Avenue and Main Street that indicates there are two left turn lanes. She noted pedestrians crossing Main
Street are in constant danger. She asked if semi-truck traffic could be removed from Main Street.
Gary Vodehnal, GVLT, was concerned about bike/pedestrian issues. Consensus of his staff was that bike lanes would make Main Street safer and his staff was in favor of bulb-outs.
Anna Marie Torres, business owner, stated she was opposed to the three-lane proposal. She noted delivery trucks would have problems making deliveries and turns. She stated her business
spends several thousand dollars a year to lease spaces parking for their apartment tenants and employees. She confirmed with Mr. Hensen that the traffic counts were done in October.
She suggested the study might not be as accurate as possible because the effect of snow storage on Main Street was not considered. She noted that even the Downtown Partnership wasn’t
100% in favor of the three-lane proposal.
Ray Erickson, business owner on Main Street, noted that not one person had come into his store complaining about Main Street, however, the improvements recommended could create a more
difficult transition. He noted most of the time Main Street works just fine. He discussed several inconveniences. He suggested installing the countdown timers for pedestrians, and
asked that the four lanes downtown be continued. He suggested, if the recommended improvements were done, they be done in small increments to allow the public time to adjust to them
more easily. Mr. White asked Mr. Erickson if he thought restricting left turns would improve the traffic flow. Mr. Erickson stated the left turning drivers would be forced to travel
farther down the street to an intersection that allowed left turns, so he didn’t think it would improve traffic flow. He added drivers could plan ahead, change lanes and avoid those
who are turning left.
Jon Gerster, Northeast Neighborhood Association, noted he wouldn’t want to jeopardize the neighborhood grocery store. He noted changing Wallace to a one-way from Main Street to Mendenhall
Street would hamper northeast area residents’ movements around and across Main Street. He noted he hadn’t experienced problems using Main Street. He suggested, if the
recommendations were implemented, a gradual approach for implementation be taken. He stated he considers the business owners to be the experts in how best to accommodate each one’s
business.
Dan Kaveney, E. Davis Street, concurred with Mr. Gerster, then stated he was concerned about the effect of one-way traffic on Wallace Avenue and its impact on intersections on either
side of Wallace Avenue. He stated Wallace Avenue between Babcock Street and Main Street should remain two-way.
Mr. Harris, a bicyclist, noted he rides down the center of left lane in an attempt to be safe from traffic and car doors. He stated he was concerned for the safety of pedestrians when
cyclists ride on the sidewalks.
Jim Pepper, local planning consultant, concurred with the consultant’s statement to “do no harm.” He suggested removing semi-truck traffic from Main Street. He noted all deliveries
should be made from alleys or side streets. He noted it would be helpful if the consultants presented diagrams that depicted the distances needed for turn lanes and snow removal. He
noted there might not be room for delivery trucks within the configuration. He suggested adding more signage on Main Street to indicate the location of parking lots. He asked for data
on the number of bicyclists in Bozeman as he doesn’t feel the bicycle counts meet the requirements for a bike lanes. He asked which was the goal of the changes - higher speeds on Main
Street to move traffic through more quickly or slowing of traffic to allow perusal of store-fronts to lure customers.
Robert Hamlin, Bicycle Board member, stated there are quite a few people who ride bikes downtown. He noted a five-foot bike lane would be safer than what currently exists. He noted
he would support any plan that promotes bicycle/pedestrian safety.
Dan Guggenheim commented that truck circulation was necessary and it had to be safe for everyone. He noted the 2001 Transportation Plan includes the establishment of Truck Routes;
therefore, it is up to the City Commission to direct Staff to develop them. Acting Chairperson Arkell noted the City doesn’t have the ability to restrict truck traffic on Main Street
as it is a State Highway, which MDT officials confirmed.
Chris Pope, downtown business owner, noted a goal of the study was to determine if any changes were needed to increase the economic development of downtown. He stated he felt very
strongly that the proposal included many positive aspects. He noted safety continues to be an issue in the community. He stated the data in the proposal indicated that traffic flow
would improve and safety be maintained. He noted the street was no longer a true State highway, it is a place, a Main Street for the community. He stated the street should remain safe
and inviting. He noted that, according to the consultants, four lane highways are no longer being constructed. He noted three lanes carry more traffic. He stated truck traffic for
deliveries was essential to the continuance of downtown businesses. He urged TCC to favorably recommend the consultant’s plan as it is based on road science and has been fine-tuned
for Bozeman.
Mike Hope, business owner, asked for the car count. Mr. Hensen responded it was 13,000 - 18,000 per day. Mr. Hope noted, using the numbers from the report, traffic counts hadn’t increased
since 1980. He stated he had little faith in any consultants’ recommendations due to previous experiences with consultants in general. He noted that bicyclists have a responsibility
to follow traffic rules. He stated the proposal created too great a risk for downtown businesses. He noted he didn’t see any reward to justify the change from four to three lanes.
He stated the bulb-outs create problems for semi trucks.
Jennifer Fraser, Chalet Sports, stated downtown was a fragile environment. She noted her business probably would not continue to be located downtown if the study’s recommendations
are implemented. She noted downtown Boulder was currently comprised of big box stores and chain stores. She continued that when Kalispell reconfigured their main street, it killed
their downtown traffic. She was concerned that traffic counts done in October wouldn’t necessarily reflect traffic patterns during other months. She suggested at least one more study
be conducted, possibly in July. She noted her parking lot was inaccessible by a left turn when snow was piled in the middle of the street. She stated if turning lanes are added to
the snow storage area, delivery trucks might find turning to be impossible. She noted snow is plowed onto bulb-outs on South Willson Avenue, and she stated she was concerned about shoveling
the bulb-outs many times during a day and puddles created by the drainage of melting snow and ice. She stated she was concerned about emergency vehicles’ ability to traverse Main Street
efficiently in a three-lane set-up. She suggested the City/State dress up Main Street, not mess it up.
Mary Jacobs asked Mr. Henson if he had recommendations as to where curb extensions were most needed. She was concerned about traffic blocking the cross street and the possibility of
pedestrians being hit by a vehicle. She stated she was in favor of installing countdown timers for pedestrians. She suggested illuminating street signs to assist out-of-towners in
locating street names.
Doug Wales, a member of the DBA board and marketing director for Bridger Bowl, stated it was important to consider issues from the tourist viewpoint. He noted the couplets weren’t
connected and weren’t a working system. He noted the reversal of the couplets would enable the residents of the expanding northwest to access the downtown more easily. He stated he
was concerned about traffic at uncontrolled intersections. He noted he enjoys riding his bike downtown and bike lanes should be encouraged. As a resident on Lamme, Mr. Wales states
Lamme is becoming a thru-street, and is concerned that will increase if traffic does not flow well on Main, Mendenhall and Babcock.
Allen Kasselheim stated he was in favor of changing Rouse Avenue between Main Street and Babcock Street back to a two-way street, though he was not in support of making Wallace Avenue
one-way. He noted he felt the Babcock Street/Wallace Avenue intersection was a problem. He suggested making it a three-way stop. He suggested that bicyclists should be encouraged
downtown.
Ed Brant, beverage delivery businessman, noted his business makes deliveries downtown three times a week. He stated his trucks are side-bay loaded. He noted it would be very dangerous
for his delivery people to make deliveries from the center lane, cross street traffic, the bike path, and the sidewalk to reach their clients.
Pete Colvin, business owner, noted it is difficult for him to believe that one lane will carry as much traffic as two lanes. He noted the curb bulbs would prohibit turns by trucks.
He suggested leaving the lanes alone, and install bicycle lanes on Mendenhall and Babcock Streets.
Jake Sinnott, southside resident, stated he never uses Main Street to get downtown as it is too dangerous. He noted he would support any proposal that would make his experience downtown
more enjoyable as a pedestrian, bicyclist, or vehicle driver. He was concerned that making Wallace Avenue one-way would cause problems.
Kate Wright, bicyclist, noted the plan was a proactive plan to get bicyclists downtown. She suggested not limiting bicyclists to downtown, but continue the bike paths around town.
Thail Davis noted she crosses Babcock Street three to four times a week to go to the Post Office. She suggested the intersections on either side of the Post Office be considered for
signalization to improve pedestrian safety
Steve Schnee, property owner downtown and Downtown Partnership member, highlighted the recommendations made by the consultant, reviewed what had been done thus far, and which recommendations
had been strongly supported, strongly not supported, and no clear support by the Downtown Partnership. As an individual, he commented that current bike use might not be a good indication
of what the future use could be if amenities were added. He commended MDT for working with the business owners and removing snow berms immediately after plowing snow to the center of
the street. He noted the three-lane configuration included a 14’ wide center lane for snow storage. He added that snow storage in the middle of the street would be a problem whether
there are three or four lanes. He noted bike traffic was dangerous downtown. He stated he didn’t think bike lanes on the couplets would work, nor was it safe for bikers to ride on
the sidewalks. He noted bike lanes on Main Street could solve the problem. He noted since the traffic counts are relatively the same for the various study years, three lanes should
handle the traffic as well as four. He noted Willson Avenue currently handles almost the same amount of traffic as Main Street. He discussed the delivery trucks in the three-lane configuration,
then noted that most delivery trucks use the alleys. He stated delivery trucks should have no problem making the turns onto side streets. He noted that currently there is a three-lane
configuration on Willson Avenue between Main Street and Babcock Street, which functions very well.
Mr. Schnee noted the Downtown Partnership was interviewing candidates for the position Marilyn Tracz is leaving. He stated one candidate had commented that Bozeman’s downtown was very
automobile oriented and not very pedestrian/bicycle friendly.
Russ Nelson, member of the Downtown Bozeman Improvement District Board, commented the same candidate had noted the road surface on Main Street was in poor condition. He noted the weaving
through traffic could also occur in a three-land configuration if delivery was occurring in the bike lane and the left turn lane was occupied. He added the transition of 3-lanes to
4-lanes at North 7th will be problematic, as will snow removal at the curb bulbs.
Bob Fletcher, business owner, stated he was very much opposed to the three-lane proposal. He suggested changing Mendenhall and Babcock Streets to one-lane with a bicycle lane on each.
He noted his concern was that installing curb bulbs could create safety issues for bicyclists. He noted Bozeman has a viable downtown. He said the consultant’s plan shows Main Street
as having 64-feet of pavement, but it only has 61-feet. He noted he felt the study recommendations were a poor plan, especially since the dimensions of the right-of-way were incorrectly
indicated, and it should be voided. He concluded by stating Bozeman has the most viable downtown in Montana. If the changes are made and it is destroyed, we all lose; if they make it
better, we win, but he is not willing to take that chance.
Bert Hopeman, business owner, spoke as an individual, and not as a member of DBP. He noted he had studied the proposal exhaustively, and several of the questions tonight have been
addressed by the consultants in various meetings. He noted those questions that haven’t been addressed should be addressed prior to the October TCC meeting for their consideration before
making recommendations to the City Commission. He noted snow is plowed to the sides of all streets except Main Street, and, if snow is continued to be plowed to the center of Main Street,
there should be no snow piled on the bulb-outs. He noted the proposal makes the downtown more pedestrian friendly, especially to the elderly and disabled, and makes it more of a shopping
district, as the current configuration allows it to be a thoroughfare from one side of town to the other. He noted patterned crosswalks might discourage through truck traffic. He stated
he felt there is minimal risk in the proposal.
Mike Hope stated he agrees we need to address bikes if we stay with the 4-lane configuration. He noted the consultant referred to the bike lane as a utility lane that could be used
for deliveries or bikes, and it can’t be called both. He said a solution should be designed with the bike community in mind.
Ray Erickson noted the largest employer downtown stated opposition to the 3-lane configuration at the last meeting held at the Emerson. He said Billings dressed up their downtown hoping
to create viability, and it didn’t work. He noted “road science” also gave us Huffine Lane and Rouse Avenue as a one-ways, and they aren’t working either.
Ana Maria Torres noted not all blocks have alleys.
Chris Pope stated he is a member of the parking commission, which doesn’t have a formal presence tonight, but said bicycle transportation was one of their prime interests as it reduces
the number of vehicles.
Bert Hopeman stated there seemed to be a major problem with making Wallace Avenue between Babcock and Main Streets one-way, and it should stay like it is.
Steve Schnee noted the street overlays, signalization, and pavement marking would be funded by MDT. Rob Bukvich, MDT, stated that is true, but they need to know what the plan is. Lesly
Triblehorn, MDT added they have already delayed their project in order to give the DBP time to complete this study. The improvements will be paid for by 87% federal funds, and 13% state
funds.
Mr. Hope asked what would be the prospect of changing back if the three-lanes don’t work. Mr. Bukvich noted MDT needs to know what the community wants, as the signals will be the major
expense in the change-over. He added MDT had done a study and the difference in traffic flow between the two configurations was minimal.
A gentleman asked what would happen if no left turns were allowed on Main Street. Mr. Hensen noted it would help through traffic, but wouldn’t help the businesses. The gentleman stated
it seemed to him the plan was to slow traffic in the downtown area.
Acting Chairperson Arkell noted several comments were made on the countdown signals, which may be installed with MDT’s improvements. Because those improvements were not scheduled until
2006, the City will be installing informational signs at all signals within the City to explain what the current walk/don’t walk signals mean. She stated Street Superintendent John
VanDelinder had recently read a survey that 40% of pedestrians think if they are in the crosswalk and the signal changes to don’t walk, it means they should turn around and go back.
Mark Haggerty asked about the discrepancy in the width of the street. Acting Chairperson Arkell noted that would have to be answered and addressed before the October meeting. Mr.
Bukvich explained how the width of the turn lane was determined, and noted if there was a discrepancy, the turn lane could be narrowed.
A gentleman asked how the widths of streets were standardized. Acting Chairperson Arkell explained the street widths as detailed in the 2001 Transportation Plan. She described how
through streets are determined.
C. CLOSE HEARING
Acting Chairperson Arkell called for further public comment, and hearing none, CLOSED THE PUBLIC COMMENT PORTION OF THE HEARING. She announced the TCC members would be considering the
proposal at the 9:30 a.m., October 15, 2003, meeting, and may make a recommendation to the City Commission at that time. She also noted the City Commission would hold a public hearing
on the proposal prior to making their decision. Further public comment, including written comment, would be accepted by both.
Mr. Bukvich asked if the final tabulation had been received by TCC from the Downtown Business Partnership of the recommendations. Mr. Schnee noted the vote on each recommendation was
distributed earlier. A gentleman from the audience noted most the public was totally against the proposal. Ms. Torres noted that not all business owners and property owners are represented
by the Downtown Partnership.
Mr. White noted the Downtown Partnership doesn’t represent a majority of the property and business owners. He suggested the Partnership poll all the businesses downtown and tally the
votes, as he noted 70% who spoke tonight were against the 3-lane proposal. Ms. Torres noted she had suggested polling all business owners and property owners at the earlier meeting,
but the suggestion wasn’t taken.
Mr. Pope noted he has chaired several boards and the vote is usually a 3-5% spread on issues affecting downtown.
Mr. Bukvich noted he wanted to know what the Downtown Partnership vote was as he didn’t want to continue the discussion unless the Board had offered its endorsement.
Mr. Lashaway noted there seemed to be compelling votes against the three-lane proposal and compelling arguments will have to be made to sell that recommendation.
ITEM 3. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
________________________________________
Debbie Arkell, Acting Chairperson
Bozeman Area Transportation Coordinating Committee