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HomeMy WebLinkAbout011602 Transportation Coordinating Committee Minutes BOZEMAN AREA TRANSPORTATION COORDINATING COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2002 MINUTES ITEM 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ATTENDANCE Chairperson Bill Murdock called the meeting to order at 9:40 a.m. and directed the secretary to record the attendance. Members Present Andrew Epple, Director, Planning and Community Development, City of Bozeman Debbie Arkell, Director of Public Service, City of Bozeman Lesly Tribelhorn, Engineering Services Supervisor, Butte District MDT Lee Provance, Gallatin County Road Supervisor Clark Johnson, City Manager, City of Bozeman Jon Ford, Proxy for Bob Lashaway, Representative, MSU Pat Abelin, Citizen Member, Gallatin County Resident Joe Menicucci, City Manager, City of Belgrade Doug Moeller, Maintenance Chief, Bozeman Division MDT Rob Bukvich, Engineer, MDT Bill Murdock, Representative Gallatin County Commission, Chairperson of TCC Marcia Youngman, Representative, Bozeman City Commission Howard Van Noy, Representative, Gallatin County Planning Board Paul Weingart, Citzen Member, City of Bozeman Resident Al Vander Way, Proxy for Lynn Zanto, Urban Planning, MDT Staff Present Tom Stuber, MDT Deidre Kloberdanz, MDT Bill Kayser, Department of Public Safety, City of Bozeman Chris Saunders, Associate Planner, City of Bozeman Carol Schott, Recording Secretary Visitors Present David Kack Tony Kolnik Kim Davitt Erin Everett Shiell Anderson ITEM 2. MINUTES OF OCTOBER 17, 2001 Chairperson Murdock called for corrections or additions to the minutes. Mr. Weingart moved, Mr. Epple seconded, to approve the minutes of October 17, 2001 as presented. The motion carried unanimously. ITEM 3 ELECTION OF OFFICERS Chairperson Murdock announced Kim Davitt would be speaking on preserving wildlife under New Business. Chairperson Murdock called for nominations for chairperson. Mr. Epple nominated, Mr. Menicucci seconded, Bill Murdock for chairperson. MOTION: Mr. Epple moved, Mr. Weingart seconded, that nominations cease. The motion carried unanimously. The election of Mr. Murdock as chair carried unanimously. Chairperson Murdock called for nominations for vice chairperson, and nominated Debbie Arkell for vice chairperson. Mr. Weingart seconded the nomination. MOTION: Mr. Epple moved, Ms. Abelin seconded, that nominations cease. The motion carried unanimously. The election of Ms. Arkell as vice chairperson carried unanimously. ITEM 6. NEW BUSINESS Kim Davit reported on a planning group which is discussing wildlife and human safety issues on the Bozeman Pass, and the research being done thus far. She stated the group’s goal is to obtain conservation easements on about 7,000 acres to create and protect the wildlife corridor. She invited TCC to work with them in developing the transportation management plan,and noted the next meeting is February 12 from 10-3. Chairperson Murdock asked what research MDT has done. Mr. Moeller reported his agency is counting the numbers and species of road kill and forwarding the information to Helena for data processing. Ms. Tribelhorn stated MDT is committed to helping by installing structures to mitigate the corridor crossing. Mr. Moeller noted a high rail will be installed on the accident corner where the flashing light is located. Ms. Davit noted American Wildlands is only part of the planning group. Chairperson Murdock asked if and how TCC wants to address Ms. Davit’s concerns. Ms. Arkell stated the issue is outside the TCC perview, but TCC should follow the process. Mr. Moeller stated MDT is a part of the planning process and one of the important players. Ms. Davit noted County Planner Jennifer Madgic will participate from the County Planing. Chairperson Murdock asked Ms. Davit to keep TCC in the information the loop. ITEM 4. TCC MEMBER REPORTS Ms. Arkell reported that Craig Brawner has retired as City Engineer and Rick Hixson is acting City Engineer. Mr. Weingart noted he has served three terms on TCC and has decided to let someone else serve. He thanked everyone for the experience of 9 years. The group thanked him for his service. Ms. Abelin announced that Shiell Anderson, the Bozeman area representative on the State Highway Commission, was in the audience. Ms. Arkell reported that the 2001 Transportation Plan was challenged on January 14, 2002 and was upheld by the City Commission. Chairperson Murdock noted the County Commission, though they haven’t adopted it, looks to the Plan for guidance when approving urban standards. Mr. Menicucci noted Belgrade has completed a transportation plan, but it has not been formally adopted. He stated the adoption should take place within the next 6 weeks. Chairperson Murdock asked if there is another interchange proposed west of Jackrabbit. Mr. Menicucci noted one is proposed west of Jackrabbit Lane near the Thorpe Road area and one east of Jackrabbit Lane. He stated the airport is pushing for another interchange nearer them. Mr. Bukvich noted the interchange mirrors the one proposed by TCC in the Bozeman Area 2001 Plan. He noted with a lot of coordination of the involved parties, it may be constructed one day. Chairperson Murdock, Mr. Epple, Ms. Arkell, and Mr. Menicucci reported on the number of lots created in 2001 in the cities and the county. Mr. Menicucci reported the subdivision on Amsterdam Road and the one at Four Corners each have more future residents than several communities in Gallatin County. Mr. Bukvich noted, though subdivisions have an impact on traffic, MDT doesn’t have the authority to meet short-term problems. He noted it can take eight years to get a project completed. He suggested MDT continue to work with developers to mitigate short-term traffic problems. He noted the funding won’t be just Federal monies for the interchange. Chairperson Murdock reported that Gallatin County and Madison County have entered into a contract with MDT to do a study to determine the triggers for certain improvements. He stated the developers are required to pay into a fund for those improvements. Mr. Johnson reported the Montana Home Builders Association has a bill ready to go to the Legislature that makes the developer immune to those kinds of fees. He noted the bill would stop any contributions to the improvements fund. Mr. Epple expanded on the Baxter Lane decision, stating the Planning Office is revising the Subdivision standards to reflect the street design standards adopted in the Transportation 2001 Plan. Mr. Bukvich reported North 19th Avenue from Kagy Blvd. to Beall Street could be under construction by 2004. He described the anticipated improvements. He noted the contract for landscaping at the rest area has been awarded. He stated the contract from Four Corners west toward Anceny will be let next month. He reported the interconnect of the signals in Bozeman is in the planning stage, the signals on Main Street are to be changed, bike lanes added, and turn lanes. He continued, intersection improvements are planned for the Willson Avenue/Olive Street-perhaps a round-about, an overlay from Belgrade to Bozeman on the Frontage Road, and chip seals on Bozeman Pass, from Manhattan to Three Forks, Dry Creek Road, and south of Manhattan. Ms. Arkell reported the City is facilitating a move to forward projects more quickly to shorten the time between planning and completion. ITEM 5 OLD BUSINESS - None ITEM 7. PROJECT UPDATES - Discussion only as needed MSU Projects Update Belgrade Projects Update CTEP Projects Mr. Epple noted the City had a problem with a contractor on the North 7th Avenue medium project and is in default mode to collect from the bond. Chairperson Murdock reported that an engineer has been selected for the tunnel project at Gateway. Mr. Bukvich noted the tunnel project is in the schedule for 2004. He stated MDT is in the process of collecting the design data. Ms. Arkell noted a consultant will be selected soon for sewer and water project improvements under Willson Avenue. West Babcock Street Improvements Ms. Arkell reported on the acquisition of right-of-way on West Babcock Street. She asked for report at the April meeting from Mr. Zimmer or Ms. Sedivy on the meetings with the school district. Officer Kayser reported some progress has been made. He noted the committee is concerned with the width of subdivision streets, curb bulbs, and the movement of bikers into auto traffic in those areas. South 19th Avenue - Main Street to Kagy Boulevard North 19th Avenue and Main Street Intersection Improvements Other North 19th Avenue Signal Projects Other Chairperson Murdock reported that improvements to Jackrabbit Lane are planned for 2003, and Valley Center Road will be constructed in 2005. Mr. Bukvich noted MDT does not get involved in land use planning and the affects of subdivision development. He noted developers are required to submit traffic studies and MDT will work with the City and County to review the studies. Chairperson Murdock noted all new subdivisions in the Four Corners area are required, by a Memorandum of Understanding, to submit an approval letter from MDT stating that accesses are appropriate and the roadway will bear the newly generated traffic prior to subdivision approval. Mr. Bukvich reported that a center turn lane has been added from Four Corners towards the bridge. He noted MDT is working on a turn lane into the Ice Gardens from the south. Mr. Saunders noted when the modeling was done for the 2001 Transportation Plan, it included the Jackrabbit Lane/Four Corners area. Tony Kolnick, 81481 Gallatin Road, stated he had visited with a representative from Robert Peccia who stated he was beginning a study on improvements to Jackrabbit Lane. He is concerned about the length of the study area. Mr. Bukvich noted the study area is from Four Corners to Belgrade to study the number of approaches. Mr. Kolnick stated he wants the study to continue south of Four Corners at least south of the weigh station, as his family has to pull out into the turn lanes leading to the weigh station to exit their driveway. Mr. Bukvich noted there is no plan to move the scales. Mr. Moeller noted there is a possibility of mitigation of the access into the turn lane in the future, but there are no plans now. Mr. Bukvich noted the letter is requesting the TCC to write a letter to the State Highway Commission to lengthen the study area. He stated it is not appropriate to make the request at this time as it is being addressed currently in work with the developer. Mr. Weingart suggested Mr. Bukvich’s last statement be written MOTION: Mr. Bukvich moved, Mr. Weingart seconded, to recommend to David Gault, Director of Transportation, that the study area from Four Corners to Belgrade include the area south of Four Corners. Mr. Menicucci asked what the effect would an addition to the length of the study area have on the timing of the project. Ms. Tribelhorn noted since it wasn’t part of the scope of the project, it would be difficult to add at this time. Ms. Abelin noted it is poor policy to add to a study thereby adding 2 more years to the project. She stated she felt it should be a separate study. Mr. Bukvich noted that Gordon Larsen is charged with getting the traffic counts and would be looking at the traffic counts for any new subdivision. Ms. Arkell noted she will be voting against the motion and gave her rationale. Chairperson Murdock concurred. Mr. Weingart stated the County usually works with the developer and asked for clarification on how this study would be handled. Mr. Menicucci concurred with Ms. Arkell, stating he didn’t want to delay the project by adding time to continue a study. The motion was denied unanimously. Chairperson Murdock asked how to respond to the letter from Mr. Kolnik. It was determined the County will address the issues. Mr. Bukvich noted the problems were being addressed in current projects, and MDT was working with Morrison-Maierle on road designs. ITEM 8. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Transit Chairperson Murdock noted the County Commission has made transit a priority and will help in any way possible. He has suggested that Ron Brey be the champion. Planner Saunders noted a discussion has been held with the Mayor to appoint a staff member to champion the process. Ms. Youngman noted the issue is important to City Commission. Mr. Johnson reported the City Commission has met with both senators’ offices concerning funding and have received some direction as to what is expected. He continued, the senators are interested in using alternative fuels to promote clean cities. He noted in discussions with consultants indicate they are interested in proposals which have cultural appeal. He explained that the City had looked at re-installing cable cars; however, consultants advised the idea would likely face resistance. He suggested a cooperative effort with the Clean Cities program might provide the best funding. He discussed the possibility of getting Yellowstone Park buses refurbished for transit and described possible routes. Mr. Weingart asked if the Bobcat Transit and Galavan have been included in the plan. Mr. Johnson noted they have been included, with Galavan providing the needed handicapped busing. Chairperson Murdock asked that the City keep the County in the loop. Mr. Johnson noted the consultants have suggested the install light rail to include MSU, Belgrade, Four Corners, and could be expanded at any time. David Kack, Western Transit Institute, MSU, stated it is time for Bozeman to consider transit. He stated a key element is to tie the University with the rest of the surrounding area. He noted that a similar project in Fargo has ridership higher than projected. He offered to work with TCC, the City, and the County on a transit system. He noted a light rail system would take longer to install than putting buses on the street. The County, Bozeman, and Belgrade are interested in transit. Jon Ford, MSU, stated there are unknowns in the Bobcat Bus system. He noted mass transit usually has to be forced by some issue, such as congestion, cheaper method of travel, etc. He stated most systems have to be subsidized to work. Discussion followed on creating convenience for increasing ridership, particularly for MSU students. Mr. Ford noted he felt the University student body would be interested in participating in the system if given the right circumstances; however, he stated he didn’t feel the University would be interested in funding a system. Tom Stuber, MDT transit section, reported that ASMSU, Gallavan, Reach, and Karst Stage are all interested in the transit system. He noted the ASMSU monies would add leverage with the Federal Transit Authority for possibly a $400,000 grant. He noted transit buses would be nicer than the current former school buses used by Bobcat Transit. He stated three items need to be addressed 1. TCC needs to believe in it. 2. It has to be sold to the users. 3. It has to be somewhat self-sustaining. Mr. Bukvich noted all transit systems are subsidized somehow by the government. Mr. Stuber described the funding mechanisms for hardware, fuel, maintenance, etc. available on an 80/20 split. He noted the operation of the system is usually split 50/50, minus the fares collected. He noted a community should have only one entity govern the system, collect the money, pay the bills, etc. Mr. Stuber noted the system would be created step-by-step and enhanced as the years go by. He noted the City would want to replace the three buses currently being used. Chairperson Murdock asked if a feasibility study would be in order. Mr. Kack noted some initial routes were discussed when the 2001 plan was researched. He discussed a possible route. Mr. Bukvich noted the time is right for the City to begin transit, bring all funding together under the City, and get some equipment and capital. Mr. Stuber noted February of each year is the deadline for application for transit funds. Planner Saunders suggested the players meet, pull together their ideas, and go forth. Mr. Menicucci noted the hours need to be adjusted for the buses to and from Belgrade to Bozeman as it doesn’t currently run at convenient times. Mr. Bukvich noted the number of trips could be increased with a centralized system. Mr. Ford noted a certain amount of funding needs to be dedicated to promotion. MOTION: Ms. Abelin moved, Mr. Weingart seconded, to appoint a transit committee with Mr. Johnson as chair and with other members of community and state, including representatives from ASMSU, Belgrade, Galavan, Reach, and WTI, and Tom Stuber of MDT. The motion carried unanimously. 2. Other ITEM 9. NEXT MEETING AND ADJOURNMENT April 17, 2002 C Regular meeting 9:30 a.m. There being no further business to come before the Transportation Coordinating Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 11:47 a.m. _____________________________________________ Bill Murdock, Chairperson Bozeman Area Transportation Coordinating Committee