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HomeMy WebLinkAbout101503 Transportation Coordinating Committee Minutes BOZEMAN AREA TRANSPORTATION COORDINATING COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2003 MINUTES ITEM 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ATTENDANCE Chairperson Bill Murdock called the meeting to order at 9:35 and directed the members and members of the audience to introduce themselves. Members Present Bob Burkhardt, Designee, FHWA Andrew Epple, Director, Planning & Community Development, Bozeman Debbie Arkell, Director, Public Service, Bozeman Lesly Tribelhorn, Engineering Services Supervisor, Butte District MDT Jim Nallick, Bozeman Area Bicycle Advisory Board Lee Provance, Road Supervisor, Gallatin County Jeff Ebert, District Engineer, Butte District MDT Bob Lashaway, Representative, MSU Pat Abelin, Citizen Member, Gallatin County Resident Rob Bukvich, Engineer, Bozeman Division MDT, alternate for Ross Gammon Bill Murdock, Representative, Gallatin County Commission, Chairperson of TCC Kerry White, Representative, Gallatin County Planning Board Mark Haggerty, Citizen Member, City of Bozeman Resident Ralph Zimmer, Representative, Pedestrian & Traffic Safety Committee Chris Scott, Representative, Gallatin County Planning Office Staff Present Rick Hixson, City Engineer, Bozeman – also Proxy for Debbie Arkell following her exit mid-meeting Sara Folger, Grants Administrator, Bozeman Carol Schott, Recording Secretary, Bozeman Visitors Present David Kack Paul Reichart Bert Hope Clint Litle Walt Williams David Smith ITEM 2. PUBLIC COMMENT {Limited to any public matter within the jurisdiction of the Bozeman Area Transportation Committee and not on this agenda. Three-minute time limit per speaker} No speakers came forward. ITEM 3. MINUTES OF JULY 16 AND SEPTEMBER 24, 2003 Chairperson Murdock called for corrections or additions to the minutes of July 16 or September 24, 2003. Ms. Tribelhorn noted that on page 2, last paragraph, fourth line, “Federal Highway Department” should be changed to “Federal Highway Administration,” and “Montana Transportation” should be added before “Commission meets tomorrow…” in line nine. MOTION: Mr. Epple moved, Ms. Arkell seconded, to approve the July 16, 2003 minutes as amended. The motion carried unanimously. MOTION: Ms. Arkell moved, Mr. White seconded, to approve the minutes of September 24, 2003 as submitted. The motion carried unanimously, with Chairperson Murdock abstaining as he wasn’t in attendance. ITEM 3. TCC MEMBER REPORTS A. Transit Report-Larry Watson Chairperson Murdock reported on recent meetings and noted that all stakeholders have signed on. He stated the committee has been charged to investigate a bus system in the greater Bozeman-Belgrade area. B. I-90/Airport Interchange Report – Pat Abelin Ms. Abelin noted Morrison-Maierle, Inc. has presented a feasibility study. She noted the committee would present the concept plan to the Montana Transportation Commission for their approval in the near future. C. TSM’s Report No report. D. Downtown Traffic Improvements Study – Steve Tuttle (Discussion held under Item 4, Old Business) E. Western Transportation Institute 1. Update on Transportation Projects Dave Kack, WTI, reported on programs completed by WTI, including the proposed bicycle network system, which is in use by the Bozeman Bicycle Board. He noted written reports were completed on all programs and were given to the City. He noted the second program was on a potential transportation system, and another study focused on transportation infrastructure including culverts and bridges. The final study researched wildlife crossing areas in the Bozeman Pass area with recommendations for installation of fencing and cattle guards near the Bear Canyon Exit to funnel wildlife to the underpass for crossing. He noted interchangeable media signs and advisory radio broadcasts are also recommended to notice travelers to watch for wildlife known to be in the area. Mr. Ebert noted MDT was in the process of reconstructing the MRL overpass and installing fencing to redirect wildlife to the underpass rather than onto the highway. F. Pedestrian signal on Main Street at Bozeman High School Ms. Arkell reported that MDT, school officials, and the City had met recently to review methods of alleviating the accident potential. She noted among the solutions discussed were the eliminating of an access to the high school, installation of curb bulbs, elimination of some or all parking in front of the high school, and construction of an overpass or under pass versus signals and curb bulbs. It was noted that a sales job would have to be done to get pedestrians to use an over or under pass. A TCC member suggested installing a stop button. It was noted the idea had been explored. MDT officials committed their department to conducting a study on signalizing the crosswalk. Mr. Zimmer noted the Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Committee had recommended that all parking be eliminated in proximity to the horseshoe driveway. At the suggestion of having crossing guards, Gary Griffith, Assistant Superintendent of Schools for Bozeman Public Schools, noted crossing guards were the most difficult positions to keep filled. ITEM 4. OLD BUSINESS A. Downtown Traffic Improvement Study - TCC recommendation to City Commission and County Commission Mr. Ebert asked to present some information. He reported the department was working on two projects resurfacing Main Street and upgrading the signalization system. He reported the projects are on hold awaiting decisions as to what the City, businesses, and traveling public want. He stated MDT doesn’t have an opinion on whether Main Street becomes a system to serve through traffic or a circulation center within the corridor. Mr. Ebert addressed several issues raised during the pubic hearing held September 24, 2003. He reported that the accident rates on Main Street from North 7th Avenue to Wallace Avenue per 1,000,000 vehicle miles was 12.2 or about double the statewide average. The rate on Main Street from Wallace Avenue to the I90 interchange is about the same as the statewide average. Mr. Ebert noted MDT had analyzed a three-lane system from North 7th Avenue to the east I90 interchange. Mr. White asked if the statewide average was for all highways. Mr. Ebert noted the accident rate was for urban highways. Mr. Zimmer asked if the average was higher for urban areas as opposed to downtown urban areas. Mr. Ebert noted the 6.2 accident average was for downtown urban areas. Mr. Zimmer noted the averages might not be accurate as they might not include only downtown streets. Mr. Haggerty noted the averages might be underestimated as the areas beyond downtown have fewer signals and more areas of conflict. Mr. Ebert reported on street capacity issues. He noted that traffic growth has remained relatively flat. He stated that a four-lane scenario had more capacity for future growth, while three lanes would provide better circulation for the downtown area. He noted some intersections wouldn’t meet turning radii requirements if Main Street were converted to three lanes. He reviewed several modifications to cross streets, which would be needed immediately. He reviewed street cross-sections for the existing 4-lane, 4-lane with no bike path, and 3-lane with bike paths on either side. He discussed snow storage on both proposals, and the dedication of MDT to remove snow as quickly as possible. He discussed truck deliveries and the current demise of downtown businesses. He compared Main Street, Bozeman, with Cedar Street, Helena, and noted the change to three lanes in Helena helped traffic flow through the area and provided better access to the businesses along the street. He noted MDT could not support countdown timers at this time as specifications have not been developed by MDT. Mr. Haggerty asked if MDT could support curb bulb installation. Mr. Ebert noted they would be considered and installed as necessary. Mr. White asked if a cost estimate had been completed for constructing and maintaining drainage around the curb bulbs. Mr. Ebert stated that cost had not been calculated. Mr. Provance noted curb bulbs were a maintenance issue, tended to be torn out by snowplows, and were expensive to install. Discussion followed on bike lanes, curb bulbs, and recommendations made by the Traffic Study. Mr. Lashaway reviewed the 13 recommendations of the Traffic Study and the support or nonsupport of the items by the Downtown Business Partnership and MDT. It was decided to act on a motion dealing with 8 of the 13 items for which there seemed to be consensus among TCC members. MOTION: Mr. Lashaway moved, Mr. Epple seconded: 1) to support signalization of the intersection of Main Street and Wallace Avenue; 2) the downtown signal upgrade; 3) converting Rouse Avenue to two-way between Main Street and Babcock Street; 4) signal the intersection of Rouse Avenue and Babcock Street; 5) pedestrian crossing pavement treatments; 6) identify and obtain additional city operated parking south of Main Street; 7) improvement of the downtown alley system; 8) and to not support the Main Street mid-block crossing between Rouse Avenue and Bozeman Avenue. Mr. Zimmer clarified that the initial list of items were to be recommended for approval with the last item not supported. Mr. Lashaway concurred. The motion carried unanimously. Mr. Kirchhoff abstained, stating he would be voting as a City Commission member on the recommendations at a later date. Discussion then ensued on the remaining 5 items recommended in the Traffic Study, including the proposed three-lane system. Ms. Arkell asked for clarification on how snow storage on Main Street would be accomplished as it seemed the center turn lanes would be totally blocked. She asked MDT officials if they were firmly committed to removing stored snow on a daily basis if necessary. Mr. Ebert stated MDT would remove the snow as quickly as possible, then noted that currently snow storage basically blocks two lanes of traffic. In the three-lane system the turning locations would be cleared with snow storage occurring in mid-block locations. Mr. Bukvich noted there would still be the same amount of snow in the same street width. He stated the double yellow line would be in a different location. Mr. Provance described how plowing was done in a similar situation. Mr. Schnee commented there was more room for snow storage in the three-lane situation. He asked if the handicapped corners would be brought up to code during the street improvements. Mr. Bukvich noted the handicap accessible ramps would be installed as part of the improvements. Mr. Schnee noted the drainage issues would have to be addressed whether or not curb bulbs were installed. Ms. Torres noted her concern was with deliveries to her business as snow storage in the center lane might hamper through traffic when delivery trucks were parked there. Mr. Lashaway summarized the Downtown Business Partnership public outreach activities and noted they had held three or four public hearings on the Traffic Study. He noted there were a significant number of people who were opposed to the proposed three-lane system at the last hearing. He stated the Bicycle Advisory Board advocated increased safety for cyclists. He summarized that there were several business owners, a delivery driver, and a representative of several other businesses who were in opposition to three-lanes. He noted a cyclist spoke in favor of the three-lane system as being safer for cyclists. Chairperson Murdock suggested the discussion be focused on the 3-lane versus 4-lane systems. Mr. Lashaway noted he voted in opposition to the 3-lanes during the Downtown Business Partnership meeting. He reviewed his reasons for his vote, which included difficulty for delivery vehicles, viability of downtown, and movements at intersections. Paul Reichart, Downtown Business Partnership Director, asked if another step could be added to include a preliminary road design, block by block, for the three and four lane systems. Ms. Torres stated ‘if it wasn’t broken, why fix it.’ She asked for a guarantee that her business would continue to succeed. She asked if the Cedar Street study included the increase or decrease in the gross sales of each business. Mr. Ebert noted the study didn’t include that information. Ms. Torres stated the changes could destroy the viability of downtown. Bert Hopeman, Montana Gift Corral, stated there are three issues - bicyclists, pedestrians, and vehicles. He reviewed the history of the downtown pre-WWII to now, including the crippling of downtown areas by the elimination of angle parking, and the construction of malls and big box stores. He stated traffic flow in the downtown area is broken. He noted the resurfacing of Main Street provides an opportunity for greater safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles in a 3-lane situation. He stated bulb-outs could work in some situations. Bobby Cove of Bobbie Lee’s stated he was strongly against converting Main Street to three-lanes and bulb outs. He asked if directional signs for off-street parking could be attached to the new signals. Mr. Ebert noted MDT would attach directional signs. Mr. Cove noted the average family couldn’t afford to shop downtown due to the change in the economy the last five years. Steve Schnee, Schnee’s Boots and Shoes, stated the snow removal issue has been resolved. He stated he was confused as to how delivery would be hampered by the three-lane system. He noted most deliveries are done from the alleys with the exception of large semis, which deliver on-street. He stated he felt they could deliver on the three-lane system the same as on the four-lane system, and, therefore, was a non-issue. He noted the option to change to a three-lane system was a once in a generation opportunity due to the durability of the improvements scheduled to be done. He noted that if traffic increased on the current four-lane system, left turns would be eliminated. Chairperson Murdock called for further public comment, and hearing none, he CLOSED THE PUBLIC COMMENT PORTION OF THE HEARING. Ms. Arkell excused herself from the meeting due to a prior commitment, giving Mr. Hixson, City Engineer, her proxy. MOTION: Mr. Lashaway moved, Mr. Provance seconded, to 9) recommend a three-lane system with parking as described by the study. Mr. Lashaway reviewed his reasons for not supporting the three-lane system, including lack of support from the affected property owners. Mr. Bukvich noted the three-lane system would provide the opportunity to change from a seven-block strip mall to a north/south growth development. Mr. Nallick stated the Bicycle Board was reviewing the plan for safety of cyclists and the three-lane system provides that safety. Mr. Zimmer stated that he could currently walk downtown and he stated he wanted to maintain the viability of downtown for pedestrians. He noted he has participated in tours in Seattle and visited with traffic engineers from all over the world. He stated he felt it was in Bozeman’s best interest and in the downtown businesses’ interest to change to a three-lane system. Mr. Epple stated he was in favor of the three-lane system to increase and retain the competitive edge of downtown as the center of the community. He noted it would promote pedestrian and bicycle safety, and be consistent with the 2020 plan. He noted the couplets were designed to move traffic through town and they do a good job at that. He noted traffic engineers have shown that three-lanes would effectively handle the same traffic as four-lanes, and he wanted to see downtown as a destination rather than a pass-through area. Mr. Provance noted he supports the 3-lanes for safety issues. Ms. Abelin stated, with the current configuration, she keeps her eyes on the cars while driving, and does not look at the businesses, due to safety concerns. Mr. White stated the 3-lane system may be a dangerous situation for deliveries and emergency vehicles, and he was opposed to curb bulbs. He suggested the usage of a center lane as a merge lane would be a traffic hazard. He was concerned with the transition from 3-lanes to 4-lanes at 7th Avenue. He stated he felt there would be congestion from 8th Avenue to the Food Coop or farther west. He suggested installing a left turn arrow at Willson Avenue and Rouse Avenue. Discussion and motions then ensued on the remaining three recommended items from the study. The motion carried 9 –3 with Mr. White, Mr. Hixson, and Mr. Lashaway voting in opposition. MOTION: Mr. Lashaway moved, Mr. White seconded, 10) to not support the recommended change of South Wallace Avenue between Babcock and Mendenhall Streets to a one-way north bound. It was noted this change could be implemented in the future if necessary. The motion carried 12-0. MOTION: Mr. Lashaway moved, Mr. White seconded, to support the extension of the one-way couplet to Wallace Avenue on Mendenhall Street. The motion failed unanimously. MOTION: Mr. Lashaway moved, Mr. White seconded, to not support the installation of curb bulbs. Mr. Ebert suggested the alternative that curb bulbs could be installed where appropriate. Mr. Lashaway with drew motion and Mr. White withdrew his second. MOTION: Mr. Lashaway moved, Mr. Ebert seconded, 11) to support the installation of curb bulbs where appropriate pending further engineering study. The motion carried 8-5, with Mr. Provance, Ms. Abelin, Chairperson Murdock, Mr. White, and Mr. Scott voting in opposition. MOTION: Mr. Lashaway moved, Mr. White seconded; 12) to support the signalization of Babcock Street and Black Avenue and Mendenhall Street and Black Avenue. The motion carried 11-1 with Mr. Hixson voting in opposition. MOTION: Mr. Lashaway moved, Mr. Haggerty seconded; 13) to support the installation of countdown timers. Mr. Bukvich noted MDT has not adopted them as a standard. Ms. Tribelhorn noted they are not allowed in Montana at this time on any system routes. The motion carried 10-2 with Chairperson Murdock and Mr. Ebert voting in opposition. B. Other ITEM 5. NEW BUSINESS A. Hulbert Road/Street between Davis Lane & North 27th Avenue Mr. Epple introduced the proposal by the School District to amend the Transportation Plan. He asked that the applicants, HKM engineers, present the amendment. He noted that the public hearing has been scheduled for the January TCC meeting. A short break was taken from 11:55 – 12:05 to allow HKM to set up. Clint Litle, HKM, presented the proposal as a future opportunity for the school district to construct a new high school on the North 27th Avenue/Hulbert Road site. He stated an amendment to the Transportation Plan to vacate the segment of Hulbert Road through the property would be required to allow the campus to be physically connected to the building. Mr. Lashaway noted this was a 30-year plan for a future high school. Todd Cormier, HKM, noted the intersection at Valley Center/Hulbert Road had been eliminated by MDT due to its close proximity to North 19th Avenue/Valley Center intersection. Mr. Hixson stated this proposal was to eliminate the section of Hulbert Road between North 27th Avenue and Davis Lane, which was not part of the MDT decision. Mr. Litle indicated the school property was located west of North 27th Avenue. Mr. Cormier stated there was a conflict in the Transportation 2001 Plan as to whether Hulbert Road would be constructed as a collector or arterial street. He noted the removal of Hulbert Road east through the school site to Valley Center Road, in their opinion, would not affect traffic in the area. Mr. Lashaway noted that an issue was if the school district didn’t obtain the property, the City might have lost the ability for a through street to North 27th Avenue. Mr. Bukvich asked that the agenda for the January meeting include the HKM items. ITEM 8. NEXT MEETING AND ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Mr. Provance moved, Ms. Abelin seconded, to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 12:20 p.m. with the rest of agenda to be covered at the next meeting. January 21, 2004 - Regular meeting 9:30 a.m. – Election of Officers _____________________________________________ Bill Murdock, Chairperson Bozeman Area Transportation Coordinating Committee