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HomeMy WebLinkAbout101800 Transportation Coordinating Committee Minutes Bozeman Area Transportation Coordinating Committee Minutes - October 18, 2000 1 BOZEMAN AREA TRANSPORTATION COORDINATING COMMITTEE OCTOBER 18, 2000 MINUTES ITEM 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ATTENDANCE Chairperson Bill Murdock called the meeting to order at 9:35 a.m. and directed the secretary to call and record the roll. Members Present Members Absent Andrew Epple, Director, City Planning & CD Bob Burkhardt, FHWA Debbie Arkell, Director of Public Service John Gallagher, Boze. Area Bicycle Adv. Bd Lee Provance, Gallatin Co. Road Supt. Ed Musser, President, City Planning Board Jason Giard, District Engineer, Butte Div. MDT Clark Johnson, City Manager Bob Lashaway, Facilities Service Director, MSU John Mandeville, County Resident, Citizen Member Jason Karp, Belgrade Planner, representing Joe Menicucci Doug Moeller, Maintenance Chief, Bozeman Div. MDT Bill Murdock, Chairperson of TCC and Gallatin County Commission Marcia Youngman, Mayor, City of Bozeman Howard Van Noy, Delegate, Gallatin Co. Planning Board Paul Weingart, City Resident, City Member Lynn Zanto, Urban Planning Supv., MDT Ralph Zimmer, Pedestrian & Traffic Safety Committee Bill Armold, Director, County Planning Office Visitors Present Staff Present C. Spencer Smith Craig Brawner, City Engineer Brad Garnick Rob Bukvich, Engineer, MDT Becky Huntsman Bill Kayser, Asst. Chief of Police Debe Youngberg Aaron Holst, Fire Chief Kendall Dittmar Carol Schott, Recording Secretary Rick Rogers ITEM 2. MINUTES OF JULY 19, 2000 Chairperson Murdock called for corrections or additions to the minutes of July 19, 2000. Paul Weingart asked that ACitizen Member, Gallatin County Resident@ be added following his name in the attendance portion of the minutes. Chairperson Murdock amended page 2, second paragraph under Item 4., to change Asubmitted@ to Atestimony@. MOTION: Jason Giard moved, Debbie Arkell seconded, to approve the minutes as amended. Bozeman Area Transportation Coordinating Committee Minutes - October 18, 2000 2 ITEM 3. SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS TO US HIGHWAY 10 - Rebecca Huntsman (10-15 minutes) Rebecca Huntsman, president of the Mountain View Subdivision Homeowners Association, asked that Highway 10 between Belgrade and Bozeman become a priority for improvements. She asked that only limited access onto the Frontage Road be allowed. Director Epple responded that improvements to the Frontage Road is priority #4 in the Executive Summary of the draft Bozeman Area Transportation Plan 2020 Update. Jason Girard described how funding sources are categorize by road type, and noted that only the County Commissioners can prioritize improvements secondary roads, such as the Frontage Road which is secondary 205. He discussed funding sources, the speed zone study which is currently being done, and his recommendation that the final speed zone study be completed, which would allow process to begin. John Mandeville suggested the County Commission work with the railroad to install10 feet of fill to widen Highway 10 to a three lane road from Belgrade to Bozeman, noting it has to be done someday for safety reasons. Bob Lashaway asked if some of the short term items can be done for long term effects. He asked if speed limits really slow traffic and are there law enforcement officers to enforcement it. Jason Giard noted that a major improvement would be the removal headgates in the right-of- way and installing left and right turn lanes. However, he noted studies show speed limit reduction has little effect on the actual speed of traffic. He noted if the landowners and home owners could help pay for the improvements, there is a possibility to get them done. Mr. Lashaway noted most people don=t pass on double yellow lines and respect them more than posted speed limits. Clark Johnson noted the outcome is to reduce harm and danger, and questioned if the suggested remedies will produce the desired outcome. Rob Bukvich stated there are two specific problems, one is at Mountain View Subdivision and the other is the rest of the road. He stated his opinion is if the approaches from the subdivision were reduced from ten to two, and turn lanes were installed, the two remedies would reduce the problems at Mountain View Subdivision. Chairperson Murdock stated he felt a speed limit reduction in combination with installation of double yellow lines will have an effect. He noted the addition of ANo Passing@ flags will also help. Mr. Bukvich reviewed a letter received in early 1999 regarding turn lanes from a subdivision representative offering to join in the funding for improvements. Paul Weingart noted he gets lots of questions from Bozeman citizens about improvements to the Frontage Road. Chairperson Murdock noted the County Commission has made a commitment to improve Valley Center Road. Lee Provance stated the bid for the project has been let. Mr. Bukvich noted that the benefits of the improvements are being off set by development in the area. He noted he would rather see a 3 or 5 lane road as a 4 lane doesn=t allow for turning movements. Bozeman Area Transportation Coordinating Committee Minutes - October 18, 2000 3 Ralph Zimmer noted the improvements to the Frontage Road is at the highest priority for the funding source available. Debe Youngberg noted the Belgrade Chamber of Commerce has conducted a study that shows airport traffic is not the cause of the congestion on the Frontage Road, she stated it is people turning onto access streets and others not paying attention to the movements of traffic around them. She stated an interchange with the interstate at the airport would not be very effective in reducing congestion on the Frontage Road. ITEM 4. CLEAN CITIES REPORT - Chairperson Murdock Chairperson Murdock announced a Clean Cities meeting in Idaho Falls will be held tomorrow, October 19th, to put together a non-profit organization to look at a systems approach for alternative fuels for fleets, etc. He feels it offers an alternative to the dependance on petroleum products.. ITEM 5. TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE (40-60 MIN) Associate Planner Chris Saunders announced a public hearing on the draft ABozeman Area Transportation Plan Update 2000" will be held on October 30, 2000, at 7:00 p.m. at the Wingate Inn. He noted as the TCC is the body which will adopt the plan it will conduct the hearing. The City and County Commissions and Planning Boards are invited to attend. He stated comment will be taken through November 14, 2000, the tentative date action will be taken. He noted copies of the draft document are available for perusing at the public library, Planning Office, and the web at www.bozeman.net/planning. He stated the availability of the draft has been advertized on the radio and posters have been placed in all public buildings. Following discussion, Chairperson Murdock stated he and Planner Saunders will create the format for the hearing. Mayor Youngman stated she agrees with a statement made by a City Planning Board member that everyone comes together at the beginning of the information gathering for an update such as this, then there is disconnection at the public hearing as the discussions with the public haven=t continued through the process. She suggested the method of presentation could solve the disconnection and help set the tone for the discussion. Director Epple noted that Doug Widmayer had stated last night that if more time was needed for further public comment or to continue the hearing to another date, then the TCC should postpone their decision until all the testimony had been received. Director Epple quoted Mr. Widmayer as saying he was in no hurry to finalize the document, but wanted to ensure the document addresses as many public concerns as possible. Planner Saunders noted the media is interested in reviewing the draft and meetings with the media start tomorrow. Chairperson Murdock noted that the prioritization of projects doesn=t mean the projects will be done in that order as they will be done as funding becomes available. In response to Paul Weingard, Kendall Dittmar, representative of the Downtown Business Association, reported the Association was pleased with the document. Director Epple noted the recent correspondence from Sourdough area residents is Bozeman Area Transportation Coordinating Committee Minutes - October 18, 2000 4 appreciated in that along with criticism, it offers alternatives. He noted an agenda item for November 15 will be to give direction as to how the consultant is address concerns received from the public. Chairperson Murdock stated there weren=t any significant issues raised at the County meeting with Mr. Widmayer. Planner Saunders noted there was discussion, however, there were no major issues raised at the City Planning Board meeting. Chairperson Murdoch suggested the Belgrade Planning Board be invited to the hearing. Jason Karp stated he will pass along the invitation to his Board. Howard Van Noy reported there is a question at the County Planning Board as to how this document ties into their growth policy. Director Epple stated the document will be referenced in the Bozeman 2020 Master Plan. ITEM 6. TCC MEMBER REPORTS In response to Chairperson Murdock=s question on the need for this item, Ralph Zimmer noted the item was added to the agenda for reports from committees of the Board. He reported the Pedestrian & Traffic Safety Committee is struggling with attendance and membership. He noted they are having problems getting the school district to attend. He noted the member from the Bozeman Police department has missed at least the last 10 meetings. Clark Johnson noted the police department does attend the TCC meetings. Mr. Zimmer stated the department is a voting member of his committee and should be represented. Jason Karp reported that Belgrade City Manager Joe Menicucci asked him to share that the City of Belgrade is working on Transportation Plan contract. Mr. Girard noted that the new census should show the population of Belgrade is over 5,000 and, therefore, will qualify for funding, but it has to be spent by the end of June. John Mandeville asked about the installation of a left turn lane at the intersection of Oak Street and North 7th Avenue. Doug Moeller stated his department is working on it. Craig Brawner reported on South 19th Avenue, noting it will be an urban project. He asked if it is a priority on the urban list. Lynn Zanto and Rob Bukvich noted the hoops to be jumped. Chairperson Murdock asked how pedestrian and bicycle ways and trails have been incorporated into the document. Planner Saunders noted those items have been given specific consideration. Lee Provance noted the L Street bridge is torn out and should be reconstructed by the end of next week. Bozeman Area Transportation Coordinating Committee Minutes - October 18, 2000 5 ITEM 7. OLD BUSINESS Distribution and Review of Approved By-Laws Director Epple noted the distributed By-Laws are those approved last spring. Ralph Zimmer asked that Aand@ be inserted between ATraffic@ and APedestrian@. Mr. Zimmer asked if any rules of order should be added. He=d like to have ARobert=s Rules of Order@ adopted as the rules of order and included in the bylaws under Parliamentary Authority, however, he won=t push the issue. Bob Lashaway concurred with Mr. Zimmer, noting it would allow a fixed way to end a discussion, etc. He stated having a specific order to follow could save Aface@ in a contentious situation. Bill Armold noted a statement could be added, AMeetings will conducted per ARules of Order=@. Mr. Armold moved to add, under article 3, Arules of all meetings shall be approved by a majority of the membership.@ Mayor Youngman seconded the motion. Director Epple amended the motion to specify Robert=s Rules of Order newly revised. Mayor Youngman seconded the amendment, stating that not all meetings are that formal. During discussion, Chairperson Murdock noted the formality depends on the meeting. Mr. Zimmer stated he feels rules of order should be in place prior to a contentious situation as a safety factor. Following further discussion, Director Epple withdrew his amendment and Mayor Youngman withdrew her second. The motion carried with Debbie Arkell and John Mandeville voting against. John Mandeville asked when the two year term for the Gallatin County Citizen Member of TCC begins. Chairperson Murdock noted he wasn=t sure, but he would find out. Paul Weingart noted the City notifies him every two years and asks if he wants to continue to serve. ITEM 8. NEW BUSINESS Request for Membership on TCC by Safety/Enforcement Representative - Al Scholes, Bozeman Deputy Fire Chief Al Scholes reviewed his proposal, which was included in the packets. He noted a member from the public safety agency would have input in the planning for transportation. Mr. Zimmer asked if there would be one or more than one member. Mr. Scholes noted the membership can be whatever TCC decides, however, he wants suggested a member from each department, police and emergency. Paul Wiengart stated if City Manager Johnson, Director Epple, and Mayor Youngman want TCC=s input, he offered his support. Craig Brawner noted that City Manager Johnson could represent those departments as Debbie Arkell represents his department. Jason Giard noted he would prefer not to add membership. Bob Lashaway noted input from the police and emergency departments would be valuable, however, it is the job of the current membership to get their input, unless membership is the only way to hear their concerns. Rob Bukvich noted the position wouldn=t have to be a voting position and the law enforcement Bozeman Area Transportation Coordinating Committee Minutes - October 18, 2000 6 representative would represent the whole system as would the fire representative. Mr. Lashaway stated he feels that the additional seat is unnecessary. City Manager Johnson noted formalizing more memberships may not be necessary as all departments are invited to attend and state their issues. Mayor Youngman noted a line could be added to the agenda that input is needed from whatever group. City Manager Johnson noted the list could get rather large. Chairperson Murdock noted the consensus seemed to be that if a department has an issue they are invited to speak and/or join the group at the table. Debe Youngberg noted she has always felt welcome to give input. Craig Brawner asked that Al Scholes, Aaron Holst, and himself be addressed in the attendance in the minutes as Staff members. Chairperson Murdock summarized the consensus of the TCC was not to add a chair to the committee. ITEM 9. PROJECT UPDATES - Discussion only as needed 1. MSU Projects Update Mr. Lashaway reported that the sidewalk installation mandates for 2000-2001 include the north side of Lincoln Street to South 19th Avenue. He stated the south side of Kagy Boulevard from the museum of the Rockies to South 11th Avenue, the sidewalk is interrupted, but under contract to be completed. City Manager Johnson asked if the sidewalks have been located outside of the right of way. Mr. Lashaway noted they are, however, they could be destroyed during construction. He reported the use of the intersection of Cleveland and South 6th Avenue has been closed to traffic. 2. Belgrade Projects Update Jason Giard noted a consultant has been hired to design the improvements for Highway 205 and Jack Rabbit Lane. 3. CTEP Projects Assistant Planner Karin Caroline reported the work on the entryway projects should be completed by the end of this month. She noted a contract is to be awarded for Soroptimist Park renovation project. She reported she has received formal confirmation for three grants, and as of November 1st, she is accepting applications for next year=s CTEP proposals. Chairperson Murdock reported receiving approval for a trail in the County using CTEP funds. Mr. Giard reported the tunnel under the highway at Gallatin Gateway will be constructed with CTEP funds. 4. West Babcock Street Improvements Mr. Brawner reported the City received appraisals on county properties this week with the next step being to review the material. He stated part of the contract is for the appraiser to negotiate the right of way acquisitions. He reported on the right of way acquisition and right by Bozeman Area Transportation Coordinating Committee Minutes - October 18, 2000 7 use on west Durston. Mr. Provance asked if Babcock Street will be annexed and become a total City street. Mr. Brawner noted there is an agreement between the City and County that it is maintained by the City. Mr. Provance asked if city streets should be contained within the city and county roads within the county. Mr. Brawner noted through maintenance agreements between the City and County, the streets are maintained. He noted the City probably wouldn=t be pushing for annexing county lands. Chairperson Murdock noted that Montana Association of Counties and Gallatin County are pushing for legislation that will include streets/roads with any annexation. He invited TCC members to attend a meeting with the lobbyist this afternoon at 2:00. In response to Mr. Brawner=s question about annexing roadways, Mr. Provance noted there are different rules in the City and the County. Director Epple stated he is much more comfortable with local officials making the decisions rather than a legislative mandate. Mr. Scholes noted right of ways are cut up with annexations, which creates problems with which departments are responsible. Mr. Lashaway stated it doesn=t matter who owns the road to make the improvements to West Babcock Street. A discussion followed on the problems that occur when roads aren=t included in annexations. 1. South 19th Avenue - Main Street to Kagy Boulevard Mr. Brawner reported on finalizing the design and contractual issues. He stated the improvements are not ready to be installed as the funding isn=t available yet. 2. North 19th Avenue and Beall Street Mr. Bukvich noted the improvements to this intersection are languishing as they can=t be included with West Main Street/19th Avenue project. 7. North 19th Avenue Corridor (Durston Road to Baxter Lane) Mr. Giard reported this project is basically finished and can be deleted from the next agenda. 2. Signal Projects 7. Griffin Road/North 7th Avenue - under construction, delete on the next agenda 8. Other The signal improvements for Baxter Lane/North 19th Avenue have been awarded. The item should be placed under Signal projects on the next agenda. Bozeman Area Transportation Coordinating Committee Minutes - October 18, 2000 8 Doug Moeller noted there are no plans to install left turn signals at 7th and Durston. Chairperson Murdock asked for the schedule for Story Mill Road improvements. Mr. Provance stated the work will begin next week and will be completed around February 15th. Mr. Mandeville asked for an explanation of the DEQ lawsuit. Mr. Giard noted the lawsuit is with DEQ, however, the State has to get a permit prior to constructing improvements, and due to the litigation, DEQ isn=t issuing permits. Chairperson Murdock noted for Rebecca Huntsman=s benefit, the County Commission has agreed to meet with her and the State in two weeks. He asked that a report on the meeting be included as an agenda item for the next meeting. Mr. Bukvich asked Ms. Huntsman to come to the meeting in two weeks with the monetary amount the subdivision is willing to contribute. 1. Other Paul Weingart noted he is a member of the AFor Parks@ group, which is looking at a regional park for the county. He noted the group is looking for a location near a populated area for greater public use. He noted they are reviewing about 10 properties in the Belgrade- Bozeman-Four Corners area, but have not made any decisions. He noted they have formed an alliance with the Open lands Board for the purchase of lands and conservation easements for a park. He reported the group is supporting the bond issue on the November ballot. Mr. Lashaway suggested the group look at the draft Transportation Plan Update 2000 to locate land for the park that won=t be in conflict with the plan. Mr. Weingart noted the group has had offers from developers to donate land, and are looking for public input as to where the regional park should be located. ITEM 10. NEXT MEETINGS AND ADJOURNMENT Mr. Bukvich noted the State=s plans is for the signal at Griffin Drive and North 7th Avenue to be turned on between the 13th and the 18th of November. He asked the secretary to get the word out once the exact date is set, and asked Mr. Mandeville to plan to attend. Work meetings November 15, 2000 - will be held to discuss the public comment received. 10:00 - 4:00 Reserve meeting room for all day. December 20, 2000 - work session, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. January 17, 2001 C Regular meeting 9:30 a.m. There being no further business to come before the Committee, Chairperson Murdock adjourned the meeting at 11:50 a.m. ______________________________________ Bill Murdock, Chairperson Bozeman Area Transportation Coordinating Committee Minutes - October 18, 2000 9 Bozeman Area Transportation Coordinating Committee