Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout041702 Transportation Coordinating Committee Minutes BOZEMAN AREA TRANSPORTATION COORDINATING COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2002. MINUTES ITEM 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ATTENDANCE Chairperson Bill Murdock called the meeting to order and directed the secretary to record the attendance. Members Present Andrew Epple, Director of Planning and Community Development, City of Bozeman George Durkin, Alternate, Gallatin County Road Office Jason Giard, District Engineer, Butte District, MDT Clark Johnson, City Manager, City of Bozeman Bob Lashaway, Representative, MSU Pat Abelin, Citizen Member, Gallatin County Resident Joe Menicucci, City Manager, City of Belgrade Rob Bukvich, Alternate, Bozeman Division, MDT Bill Murdock, Representative, Gallatin County Commission, TCC Chair Paul Weingart, Acting Citizen Member, City of Bozeman Resident Lynn Zanto, Supervisor, Urban Planning, MDT Ralph Zimmer, Representative, Pedestrian & Traffic Safety Committee Staff Present Bill Kayser, Assistant Director of Public Safety, City of Bozeman Carol Schott, Recording Secretary Visitors Present Steve Albert ITEM 2. MINUTES OF JANUARY 16, 2002 Chairperson Murdock called for corrections or additions to the minutes of January 16, 2002. Mr. Weingart moved, Mr. Giard seconded, the minutes be approved as presented. The motion carried unanimously. ITEM 3 TCC MEMBER REPORTS A. Transit Committee Report – Clark Johnson City Manager Clark Johnson reported the City has an intern working one day a week during the school year and full time for the summer. He stated the intern is working on the transit section of the Transportation 2001 Plan, including putting together a transit committee as directed by the City Commission. He noted the transit committee would put together a report, based on their research, containing a recommended proposal for City Commission discussion and possible action. Mr. Epple noted a summary of the transit analysis was included in Chapter 7 in the Transportation 2001 Plan. Steve Albert, WTI, noted the City and the County should identify the transit model that will meet the needs of each entity. He suggested the two systems be integrated. He noted the model would define who pays for what, where passengers are picked up, etc. City Manager Johnson noted the intern is putting together information to provide to the commissions to help determine which model to use. Mr. Bukvich noted a good way to reduce the trips to the college is to possibly change the class schedules by one-half hour. Chairperson Murdock noted many colleges don’t allow freshman to have cars on campus. Mr. Albert noted there are incremental improvements that can be done. He noted he could have his staff draft a list and then the Commissions can determine which may be the most politically feasible. He noted he would like to work with Bob Lashaway on the issue. Ralph Zimmer reported the Bozeman Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Committee has recommended to the City Commission that they add another choice to the Subdivision Regulations for street width - 37 feet from back-of-curb to back-of-curb. He noted he would fight the battle to insert those dimensions into the Subdivision Regulations. MOTION: Mr. Zimmer moved, Mr. Weingart seconded, to adopt the following statement: The Transportation Coordinating Committee recognizes 37 feet back-of-curb to back-of-curb as a desirable width for what in the future might become high volume local streets and recommends that narrower widths be used only when traffic volumes can reasonably be anticipated to be permanently low. Mr. Zimmer noted the Bozeman Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Committee discussed the issue and came to the consensus that all local streets should be 37 feet, and they would like to have the dimension added to the Bozeman 2001 Transportation Plan with the possibility of deleting the narrower street widths. Mr. Bukvich concurred with Mr. Zimmer. He noted he understood reasons for narrowing of streets for traffic calming; however, with striping, the 37-foot street would calm traffic. Mr. Weingart concurred and suggested the Transportation Coordinating Committee agree with the Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Committee to have an amendment made to the Plan. Mr. Epple noted that during discussions with the TCC during the Transportation Plan adoption process, the consultant had indicated a 35-foot street width in a 60-foot right-of-way was adequate. He noted the former mayor had promoted streets even narrower than 35 feet. He noted he would be uncomfortable revisiting the issue at this time. Mr. Johnson pointed out that a high traffic local street should perhaps be classified as a collector. Mr. Epple concurred and received the options for collector street widths set forth in the Transportation Plan. Mr. Weingart noted the motion sets forth the idea to keep the 35-foot streets in permanently low traffic areas. He noted due to safety factors, the issue should be addressed. Mr. Zimmer noted local streets could carry wide varieties of traffic volumes. He noted at the higher volume levels, up to 3,000 units, the committee favored wider streets. He noted the proposal to the City Commission is for the three widths as in the Transportation Plan, and he and the Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Committee feel the 37-foot width should to be added to the City of Bozeman Subdivision regulations. He noted, for political reasons, it was left out of the Transportation Plan. Mr. Giard noted the 37-foot width allows two 11-foot driving lanes and two parking lanes. However, it doesn’t leave much room for bicycles. He suggested eliminating the parking along at least one side of the street on the narrower streets for a bicycle lane. Mr. Bukvich added the discussion of street widths, based on ADT’s, was to encourage bicycle use. He stated he feels narrower streets with parking discourages bicyclists. Mr. Epple noted local streets are designed to carry local traffic and are not designed as collector streets with high volumes of traffic. He noted the City feels that parking on both sides of the street is a form of traffic calming. He encouraged TCC to consider a substitute motion to allow the consideration of a 37-foot street on streets with heavier traffic. Ms. Zanto clarified that Mr. Zimmer is trying to get the recommendation into the Subdivision Regulations and not amend the Transportation 2001 Plan. Mr. Zimmer noted the Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Committee wants 37 feet to be in the mix for local streets of high volume. He noted he feels that the variation in street widths is implicit in the motion’s language. Mr. Weingart noted that if the TCC is to err, it should err on the side of safety. He feels that narrower streets should be justified by studies. He stated he felt it was best to accommodate the safety issue. Mr. Giard suggested amending the motion to, “the Transportation Coordinating Committee recommends a 37-foot back-of-curb to back-of-curb as a desirable width for future high volume local streets.” The motion to amend the motion failed. Mr. Epple noted he feels TCC has already spoken on the issue. He noted the issue could be handled in the Subdivision Regulations per the notation at the bottom of the figure depicting local street standards. Chairperson Murdock suggested the Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Committee make its recommendation directly to the City Commission. Mr. Zimmer noted his committee wants the back-of-curb to back-of-curb of 37 feet as one of the options included in the table. He noted he was looking for supporting information to help persuade City Commission to add that language to the Subdivision Regulations. Mr. Weingart noted the request seemed reasonable and should be included in any motion proposed to encourage the developer to look at what will be needed in the future for traffic safety. Mr. Epple noted street widths other than those listed may be recommended by a traffic study and could be proposed. MOTION: Mr. Epple moved, Mr. Giard seconded, to recommend that any changes in the Subdivision Regulations regarding local street standards include a statement that wider or narrower street configurations could be considered. Mr. Zimmer noted he should have been more assertive during the writing of the plan. He stated he was uncomfortable with streets being narrower than 37 feet. He noted the Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Committee was suggesting a move in the opposite direction. Mr. Weingart stated 37-foot wide local street width should be contained within the motion, however, he noted he agreed with the motion. Mr. Johnson asked if the lack of the mention of the 37-foot width would prompt a requirement of a variance for a wider street. Mr. Epple stated it would prompt a requirement of a variance or a PUD. Mr. Lashaway clarified that the discussion is for the street width not the right-of-way. Mr. Epple concurred. Mr. Menicucci asked if widths are included in the Transportation 2001 Plan. Mr. Epple noted figure 7-1 sets out the street standard models. MOTION: Mr. Zimmer moved, Mr. Lashaway seconded, to substitute the motion “In addition to the ‘Suggested Local street Standards’ (Figure 11-1, Page 11-5 of the ‘Greater Bozeman Area Transportation Plan: Year 2001 Update’), the Transportation Coordinating Committee Recognizes 37 feet back-of-curt to back-of-curb as a desirable width for local streets.” be substituted for the motion on the floor. He stated he would be willing to compromise on the word “recognizes”. Mr. Menicucci moved for the question, Mr. Johnson seconded. The substitute motion failed. Question was called on the original motion. Mr. Epple reread the motion. The motion failed. Mr. Weingart noted he would have voted for the motion if it had mentioned the 37 foot width. Mr. Brey noted the City Commission is not in disagreement with the widths proposed in the Transportation 2001 Plan. Mr. Zimmer stated the bottom line for him is to get the 37 feet in the table in the Subdivision Regulations. MOTION: Mr. Bukvich moved, Mr. Weingart seconded, to change Mr. Zimmer’s motion to read, “In addition to the ‘Suggested Local Street Standards’ (Figure 11-1, Page 11-5 of the ‘Greater Bozeman Area Transportation Plan: Year 2001 Update’), the Transportation Coordinating Committee Recognizes 37 feet back-of-curb to back-of-curb as an optional width for high volume local streets.” Mr. Johnson noted he would vote no again and stated he was struggling with action on an unadvertised item on the agenda. He stated he felt there was a lack of public input on this motion. Mr. Giard concurred. Mr. Zimmer noted there was discussion, however, the consultant told us what was put into the Plan wasn’t important, he had stated the important aspect was what was included the subdivision regulations. Ms. Zanto clarified that the suggestion was not to amend the Transportation 2001 Plan, only that TCC recommends the addition of the 37-foot street standard to the City of Bozeman Subdivision Regulations. Mr. Epple reiterated that one result of the Transportation 2001 Plan process was that narrower streets are safer for pedestrians and bicyclists, and they make a community more walkable. The motion failed, with Mr. Menicucci abstaining. Mr. Murdock suggested placing the item on the next agenda. Mr. Menicucci reported Belgrade’s Transportation Plan is complete and on its way to the County Commission. ITEM 4 OLD BUSINESS Tony Kolnik, 81481 Gallatin Road, discussed the proposal for the addition of a sidewalk along Norris Road. He noted the community still felt they would consider litigation to obtain a sidewalk from Four Corners to the Gallatin River Bridge. Mr. Giard reported the project from Four Corners West includes a sidewalk on the south side of the highway. He noted that a left turn bay will be installed and a separate project will be done to install right turn bays. He noted the State would consider a walkway along the highway; however, the State doesn’t want to encourage pedestrian traffic along the highway. He noted the developers of the huge residential tracts on the north side of the highway have indicated a desire to install a pedestrian walkway north of the highway. He noted if the current project is shutdown, it might never be built. He noted the second project would take at least two years for completion. Mr. Kolnik noted the highway has been expanded to three lanes from two and the developers feel that MDT has the money to do the expansions. He noted there are no pedestrian crossings included except at the signal at Four Corners. He stated the need for pedestrian facilities should be addressed now. Mr. Johnson asked if this was the responsibility of the Bozeman Area TCC. Chairperson Murdock noted the Four Corners area is in the study area, but may not be in TCC’s jurisdiction. Mr. Johnson stated he would like more information on the projects prior to making a decision, if a recommendation is within TCC’s purview. Mr. Giard noted the Monforton School community has indicated they would like the bikeway lighted. Mr. Giard asked for a presentation on Four Corners at the next meeting. The members concurred. Chairperson Murdock noted it would be an agenda item with County Planning Staff. Mr. Epple asked that an aerial photo of the area be part of the next meeting. ITEM 5. NEW BUSINESS 1. Urban Highway Pavement Preservation Program Project Nominations Approval Mr. Bukvich presented the nominations - 1) Mill, fill, and chip seal Highland Blvd. from Main Street to Kagy Blvd., 2.) Kagy Blvd. from Highland Blvd. to South 19th Avenue, and 3.) chip seal Peach Street from North 7th Avenue to Rouse Avenue. He noted the monies are available for chip seals and overlays. Ms. Zanto noted that in October of 2001 the approval authority for Urban Highway Pavement Preservation Program Project Nominations was delegated to Ms. Arkell and Mr. Giard by the TCC. Mr. Lashaway added that during the public comment period, other streets will be suggested that the public feels are in worse shape. He suggested providing education to the public on what streets types are eligible for the funds. Mr. Giard noted the public hearing will be noticed. Ms. Zanto commended Engineer Karen Finke for putting together the document. 2. Other ITEM 6. PROJECT UPDATES - Discussion only as needed MSU Projects Update – (None) Belgrade Projects Update Mr. Giard reported a signal would be installed at Jackrabbit Lane and Highway 205 during the summer of May 2003. He stated a left turn lane would be installed on Jackrabbit Lane at Cameron Bridge Road. Mr. Durkin reported Kerin and Associates have been designing improvements for Amsterdam Road from the signal on Jackrabbit Lane to the Gallatin River Bridge. Chairperson Murdock noted the County Commission is considering the installation of a signal at the intersection at River Rock Road. CTEP Projects Mr. Epple noted the CTEP Coordinator is between application cycles, therefore, there was no report. West Babcock Street Improvements (no report) South 19th Avenue - Main Street to Kagy Boulevard Mr. Bukvich reported the State is hoping to get the City’s consultant to make progress on the design of those improvements. North 19th Avenue and Main Street Intersection Improvements Mr. Bukvich reported the State Transportation Commission approved the improvements for South 19th Avenue from Main Street to Kagy Blvd. Mr. Giard noted there are three projects 1) Beall Street to Babcock Street, 2) south of Babcock Street towards West College Street, and 3) the West College Street/19th Avenue intersection. Mr. Bukvich noted a fourth project is a signal at the Koch Street/South19th Avenue intersection for a signal and a fifth project for a permanent signal at North 19th Avenue/Beall Street intersection. Other North 19th Avenue (Discussed in item 6 above) Signal Projects (Discussed previously) 9. Other Steve Albert updated TCC on WTI activities with the following project lists: 1) Greater Yellowstone Weather and Travel System. Mr. Albert noted it will predict pavement temperatures 24 hours in advance to allow de-icing etc., and it will allow phone access to road conditions 60 miles away 6 hours in advance. He noted it will apply to county roads as well and is starting in August of this year. 2) Funding on Highway 89 for installation of electronic information signs starting in October. 3) Funding on Highway 191 to West Yellowstone for installation of electronic information signs. 4) Improvements on 19th Street based on camera screening or other devices. He suggested that Bozeman be the prototype for E-911 opportunities for traffic management. 5) MSU is the largest generator of traffic in Bozeman. He stated he felt that MSU should take the lead in managing traffic by encouraging ride sharing. He is looking at the feasibility of a ride share system. 6) Contaminated dirt, which is being transported on Rouse Avenue, might need to be transported in a different manner. 7) A workshop is being held in Big Sky and he invited any TCC members to attend. He noted WTI would cover all costs. He asked interested members to call him for more information, call him. Mr. Johnson asked for more detail on the improvements on US 89. Mr. Albert stated the State would be reviewing the road system following completion of improvements to I90. Therefore, his department designed a system for electronic signing, road conditions, and providing advance road conditions and weather information. He noted he has coordinated with Doug Moeller and others at MDT. Mr. Giard noted the electronic signage near Livingston has helped close the road to semis traveling over the Livingston hill and direct them through town. He felt the signage saved a lot of trucks from being blown from the roadway. Mr. Albert noted his department has money available for cameras and other devises for monitoring 19th Avenue to determine what really makes sense. Mr. Giard noted controlling the signals from one monitor would be a project WTI could assist in developing. Mr. Albert noted there is also a project to detect an animal several feet down the road and triggers a monitor to warn the drivers. Chairperson Murdock asked that WTI be an agenda item for July 17th. Following discussion of traffic generated during certain hours by the University, Chairperson Murdock asked if TCC wanted Mr. Albert and Mr. Lashaway to report on their efforts to decrease traffic from MSU. The group concurred that a report from Mr. Albert and Mr. Lashaway would be helpful. ITEM 7. DISCUSSION ITEMS Mr. Brey asked if the Bozeman Area TCC would be the coordinating committee for Belgrade when they begin receiving funds. Mr. Giard stated Belgrade City Council has decided not to have a coordinating committee; therefore, the City Council is the committee in conjunction with the County Commission. ITEM 8. NEXT MEETING AND ADJOURNMENT July 17, 2002 C Regular meeting 9:30 a.m. Mr. Giard announced that Doug Moeller has accepted a position in the Missoula MDT office, and Ross Gammon will take his place here. There being no further business to be conducted by the TCC, the meeting was adjourned at 11:45 a.m. ______________________________________________ Bill Murdock, Chairperson, Bozeman Area Transportation Coordinating Committee