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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-27-10 Minutes - Transportation Coordinating CommitteeMINUTES BOZEMAN AREA TRANSPORTATION COORDINATING COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2010 These minutes are not word for word and should be considered in addition to the audio recording of this meeting. Click here for a link to the audio recording. ITEM 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ATTENDANCE Chairperson Christopher Scott called the meeting to order at 10:03 a.m. on Wednesday, January 27, 2010 in the City Commission Room, City Hall, 121 North Rouse Avenue, Bozeman, MT and directed members to introduce themselves. Members present: Christopher Scott, Planning Department, Gallatin County, Chair of TCC Jeff Krauss, Mayor, City of Bozeman Bill Murdock, County Commission Jeff Ebert, MDT, Butte District Joe Olsen, Engineering Services Superintendent, Butte District MDT Ray Stocks, Bozeman Area Maintenance Chief Ralph Zimmer, Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Committee Carol Strizich, Statewide and Urban Planning, MDT George Durkin, Gallatin County Roads Sam Gianfrancisco, County Citizen Representative Debbie Arkell, Director of Public Works, City of Bozeman Brian Caldwell, City Planning Board Lee Provance, County Road and Bridge Superintendent Marianne Amsden, County Planning Department Walter Banzinger, representing Bob Lashaway, Montana State University Guests Staff present: Brianne Rogers, Field Director for Senator Max Baucus Rick Hixson, Engineer, City of Bozeman John Van Delinder, Street Superintendent, City of Bozeman Chris Saunders, Interim Director of Planning ITEM 2. PUBLIC COMMENT {Public comment limited to any public matter within the jurisdiction of the Bozeman Area Transportation Coordinating Committee not on this agenda with a three-minute time limit per speaker. Chairperson Scott opened public comment. No person commented. Chairperson Scott closed public comment. 1 of 11 ilinreie.c oflhe 1 icrt?sporiation l'oorduurlrn0 ('orrunmee, Jcartutn'r 2', 201(1 ITEM 3. MINUTES Chairperson Scott asked TCC members if anyone had any changes to the minutes of October 28, 2009. Ralph Zimmer Mr. Zimmer had a correction asking that the title of the Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Committee not be abbreviated with a slash instead of and. (Page 2, section E.) John VanDelinder Mr. VanDelinder stated the minutes erroneously stated he is a member of TCC which he is not. Motion and Vote to approve the minutes of October 28, 2009. It was moved by Jeff Ebert, seconded by Sam Gianfrancisco to approve the minutes of October 28, 2009 as corrected. The motion passed unanimously. ITEM 4. ELECTION OF OFFICERS Chris Scott Mr. Scott volunteered to continue as the chair if the committee sees fit. He also mentioned that Bob Lashaway has been acting as vice chair. Mr. Scott then opened this item for discussion and mentioned that in addition to electing officers, the recording secretary should be appointed for transcribing and distributing the minutes. Motion and Vote to nominate Christopher Scott for TCC chairperson. It was moved by Ralph Zimmer, seconded by Jeff Ebert to nominate Christopher Scott for TCC chairperson. The motion passed unanimously. Motion and Vote to nominate Bob Lashaway for TCC vice- chairperson. It was moved by Ralph Zimmer, seconded by Joe Olsen to nominate Bob Lashaway for TCC vice- chairperson. The motion passed unanimously, Motion and Vote to appoint the City of Bozeman for continuing of the transcribing and distributing of minutes; recording secretary. It was moved by Jeff Ebert, seconded by Marianne Amsden to appoint the City of Bozeman for continuing of the transcribing and distributing of minutes; recording secretary. The motion passed unanimously. ITEM 5. TCC COMMITTEE MEMBER REPORTS 2 of 11 1101(rtec 01 the I r(10v)1•70000 ('00i ("ollintwee...14101t01) 2 201(1 No report. No report. A. Transit Committee Report Gallatin County Report C. City of Eozeman Rick Hixson Mr. Hixson reported that right of way is being obtained on the College and 1 I th round about project. (Details hard to hear on the audio recording.) This project would be built this summer. Mayor Krauss Mayor Krauss asked for a report on the multi-use path going up College Street. Rick Hixson Mr. Hixson explained that he did not have information on that. Ron Dingman would be the staff person to ask. Ralph Zimmer Mr. Zimmer asked about the status of the intersection at College and South Willson. Jeff Ebert Mr. Ebert said the next step is to take the concept of a roundabout at that intersection to the City Commission. Debbie Arkell Ms. Arkell explained that the state and local Historic Preservation Offices have determined that a roundabout would not have a significant impact on historic preservation. Jeff Ebert Mr. Ebert, responding to a question from Mr. Zimmer said that the roundabout would take slightly more right of way then a signal. No report. D. Bike Advisory Board Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Committee Mr. Zimmer said the Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Committee met last Wednesday with an MDT State Traffic Engineer and City Public Works Director Debbie Arkell, regarding how the pedestrian walk signals on Main Street are operated. MDT will consider all the issues. 3 of 11 IhimtcN 01 the 1 cm.wortation Corwcilhatinj.; Committee. ,faturciii 2 219111 Brian Caldwell Mr. Caldwell spoke regarding problems he has seen with the pedestrian walk signals. F. Other TCC Member/Committee Reports No reports. G. Montana Department of Transportation Joe Olsen Mr. Olsen provided the following updates: (Audio from Mr. Olsen hard to hear some comments not captured.) South 19 and College: almost done, finishing touches this summer 85 East to Valley Center: full construction this summer (Could not hear audio) Huffine Lane, 4 Corners: mill all four driving lanes, seal and cover Bear Canyon west of the Jackson Interchange: milling seal and cover MRL structure over Rouse: two year project Future Projects o pavement preservation in 2011 on Bozeman Hill o Four corners north three miles down Jackrabbit Lane 2011: full reconstruction o South Church and South 11 Ave. College to Main: pavement preservation Chris Scott Mr. Scott asked about a chip seal on Amsterdam and re-striping. Joe Olsen Mr. Olsen said coordination needs to happen on that project to put the signal and ramp in at the same time for a potential new off ramp. Jeff Ebert Mr. Ebert explained the traffic signal would be at least two years likely 2012. Mayor Krauss Mayor Krauss asked about the south bound left hand lane (on S. 19 has giant holes with manhole covers in them and people swerve into the other lane to avoid them. Sam Gianfrancisco Mr. Gianfrancisco said he saw an accident there yesterday and said there are five holes and they are bad. 4 of 11 fimth 01 the Transportutton Com'clitlting Conimittee, Jauuc 2 2010 Jeff Ebert Mr. Ebert said he would talk to his project manager about that. Mayor Krauss Mayor Krauss said that he has observed that many people go slower than 45 m.p.h. (posted speed limit) on 19 between College and Kagy. He was wondering if that would be a permanent speed limit or will a speed study be done? The people at or near the speed limit are in the right lane, with slower traffic on the left, in anticipation of turns. He also asked about the possibility of a better pedestrian crossing somewhere along that stretch. Brian Caldwell Mr. Caldwell asked about the two bridges work on the interstate and the possibility of a beltway around the north side of Bozeman in the industrial area down by the tracks. The half mile minimum distances coincide with the spur line. Would the future work preclude an off ramp? Joe Olsen Mr. Olsen said he did not think the situation would change. (Could not hear further detail.) Joe Olsen explained that the bridge design over Rouse accommodates the design for the future work on Rouse Avenue. Mayor Krauss Mayor Krauss reported that the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) lifted the restrictions on development on the Idaho Pole Site. Jeff Ebert Mr. Ebert said that with respect to the speed zone (on 19 the State will conduct a speed study after construction if the City requests one. Mayor Krauss Mayor Krauss asked Debbie Arkell to follow up with the Commission to request that speed study. Lee Provance Mr. Provance said he noticed ARRA (stimulus) signs on 85 east for reconstruction of the east half. State secondary funds were on track for that project for 2011. What happens to those state secondary funds, can they be looked at to do the west half? Jeff Ebert Mr. Ebert said the procedure for the secondary roads program is for the next priority on the list to be dealt with as projects are completed. The ARRA funds are additional and help the secondary program, as some secondary projects are pushed all the way out beyond 2020. The west half (of 85) would then be built after all the Counties get their next priority. They do have a project on the west end ready to go and there is discussion about some future ARRA funds possibly. It 5 of 11 Ilinutes (1/ he 1 rchtspoploho)) Coorthriamii Committee, dolman 2", 201(1 depends on the next legislation. Mr. Ebert and Mr. Provance spoke regarding the costs of the project and needs. Sam Gianfrancisco Mr. Gianfrancisco said as the past County road supervisor, that project was number one, eleven years ago. That money just keeps disappearing. Lee Provance Mr. Provance said it has been on the books since 1979. Chris Scott Mr. Scott said for the record that we have been talking about Valley Center from Jackrabbit into city limits. H. Federal Highway Administration No report. ITEM 5. OLD BUSINESS A. Urban Priority List Final Adoption (Arkell) Debbie Arkell Ms. Arkell gave background on this item explaining in October the TCC recommended this list to the City Commission. On January 9, 2010, the City Commission then recommended this list back to the TCC to be formally adopted by the TCC. Our top priorities remain the same other than adding sidewalks and curbs to Willson and Church Avenues. The City of Bozeman is proceeding with certification through MDT so we can design, bid and oversee those projects. South 8` was moved up on the list. The water main is scheduled to be replaced in FY11 if we have the funding for paving. She also spoke regarding funding sources. Ms. Arkell said there is approximately 3.3 million dollars in urban fund monies. She also spoke regarding infoitnation received from Carol Strizich that the urban funds would be reduced from $1.2 million per year to $805,000 per year because we had previously been receiving $435,000 for high growth funds. The City did not realize that was just for the South 19 project. Carol Strizich Ms. Strizich said that for urban fund program purposes the state only needs the first several priorities prompting a discussion on how the list should be adopted. Joe Olsen Mr, Olsen suggested that the list be given a time period for which it would be reviewed again. Ralph Zimmer Mr. Zimmer said the Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Committee met just after the Commission 6 of11 [mule\ 0 the I rail vt)orialion Coordinating Committee. Jai1110111' 2'. 20, regarding the priority list. Mr. Zimmer asked whether the work on South Willson would be extended onto South 3 as part of priority number one. Mayor Krauss Mayor Krauss said the priority only includes the urban route of South Willson. Rick Hixson Mr. Hixson explained that this project was never considered to include south of Kagy. South r was reconstructed with urban fund money and there was not enough money to put sidewalks in at that time. The community decided that would cost too much and settled for five foot asphalt shoulders. Motion and Vote to approve the urban priority list that was finalized, reviewed and adopted by the City Commission on the 19 of this month with an additional item to review the list in a five year period. It was moved by Brian Caldwell, seconded by Mayor Krauss to approve the urban priority list that was finalized, reviewed and adopted by the City Commission on the 19 of this month with an additional item to review the list in a five year period. The motion passed unanimously. A. Babcock/Mendenhall one way status Brian Caldwell Mr. Caldwell said the Downtown Improvement Plan was finally adopted by the City Commission and the plan mentions the one way status as something to do to improve the commercial viability of downtown. The plan would encourage the Commission to pursue discussions regarding ways to provide funding for a traffic study on those one way couplets. Mayor Krauss Mayor Krauss said that in addition to the Downtown Plan we continue to get complaints regarding east bound traffic. Krauss said a major problem related to the one way status is that it is currently hard to get east without cutting through the neighborhoods. Brian Caldwell Mr. Caldwell asked if there was any advice regarding ways to proceed with this issue. County Commissioner Murdock Cr. Murdock spoke about a traffic study that was conducted and a lot of discussion, two transportation plans back. The downtown businesses at the time were very much opposed to those becoming two ways. He would suggest going back to those minutes and traffic study. Lee Provance Mr. Provance said there was very little support and many people against it. 7 of 11 !din lite.s 01 the mvortutitm Coordniattw Committee. daimar7 2". 2010 Chris Scott Mr. Scott pointed out that the prior push being discussed was to change the direction of the one ways as opposed to converting them to two way roads. Brian Caldwell Mr. Caldwell said the current Downtown Improvement Plan was well vetted through the public with a lot of stakeholders involved. County Commissioner Murdock Cr. Murdock referenced retired Doug We ire. (Could not hear the audio for additional detail.) Debbie Arkell Ms. Arkell spoke regarding the cost of the study. (Could not hear the audio for additional detail.) C. Downtown Improvement Plan Status Report (See minutes regarding last item.) D. Other Old Business Debbie Arkell Ms. Arkell asked about the status of amendments to the Memorandum of Understanding that was discussed during the October meeting. Chris Scott Mr. Scott said MDT has started the initiation process and it will be placed on an upcoming County Commission agenda for signature and will also go before the Planning Board to sign. Then it will be forwarded on to the City for signatures. ITEM 7. PROJECT UPDATES A. MSU Projects Update Walter Banzinger said the Gaines Project and the Animal BioScience Facility on 1 1 111 will be wrapping up around June. Sam Gianfrancisco Mr. Gianfrancisco said that the traffic light at Kagy and 11 has a problem with the left hand turn. At 8 a.m., the cars going east turning north onto 11 Eh are backed up by 25 or 30 cars and cars have to wait four or five signal changes. He feels the light has made traffic worse at that intersection. Chris Saunders Mr. Saunders, responding to a question from Cr. Murdock said that light was a City impact fee project. After study a light was chosen as more appropriate than a roundabout. 8 of 11 of the 1 ransportallot 'oordotaltng t'tnntinttee..1411111011 2 2010 No report. No report. See minutes from above. B. Belgrade Projects Update C. CTEP Projects D. South 19th Avenue Main Street to Kagy Boulevard Debbie Arkell Ms. Arkell said there are some issues with old stripes and arrows and have been in contact with Jeff to remove those. Ralph Zimmer Mr. Zimmer brought up problems with the timing and striping of the new light at 11 and Kagy again. Debbie Arkell Ms. Arkell said the City would look into the issue. No report. E. Intersection Improvement Projects F. North Rouse Avenue Jeff Ebert Mr. Ebert said design is still proceeding, there was a request for advance acquisition on one of the properties and they are working through Federal Highways to do that. The project has been split in two with Main to Oak Street and then Oak Street to Story Mill for the second half. The Transportation Bill has expired at the end of September, they do not see funding until at least after 2015 right now, based on current funding levels and funding received so far. Discussion took place regarding the costs of the project. No report. G. 1-90 Improvements H. 1-90/East Belgrade Interchange Report County Commissioner Bill Murdock Cr. Murdock said another 1.5 million was received from Congress last year initiated by efforts from Tester and Baucus so we are getting closer to our shortfall of 10 or 15 million. He 9 of 11 Iltnutcs (4 111(2 1 ran,sporlal Cuortimatufg Comiuttiee, Ja)711017" 2'. 2010 wondered if the TCC should send a Letter to the Highway Commission recommending that be funded by the next Transportation Bill. Jeff Ebert Mr. Ebert said he does not feel it is necessary, but it certainly would not hurt. Cr. Murdock reminded everyone that the interchange for the airport was a high past priority. He said we have about 2 or 3 million in the bank and are pretty close, so he would hope this TCC would still support that as a priority. Motion and Vote to have the Transportation Coordinating Committee draft a letter to send to the Highway Commission recommending that when they receive new funding they make complete funding of this project there next priority. It was moved by Cr. Bill Murdock, seconded by Sam Gianfrancisco to have the Transportation Coordinating Committee draft a letter to send to the Highway Commission recommending that when they receive new funding they make complete funding of this project there next priority. The motion passed unanimously. No report. I. TSM' Report Other Project Reports Marianne Amsden Ms. Amsden said the last Transportation Plan indicated that a County Park and Trail Plan would be done. They have been proceeding with that and are almost done with scoping and have done a web based survey, eight stakeholder meetings, and public roundtables. They plan to have it completed and to the County Planning and County Commissioners in June with final approval in July. Ms. Amsden said that she has been looking into is preserving the recreation on current gravel roads for alternative recreation and transportation. One idea would be a parkway designation for roadways that are not used for major vehicular transportation routes. Ms. Amsden spoke about this idea in detail and asked for input. Additional discussion took place on this issue. Lee Provance Mr. Provance continued the discussion on the parkway idea stating that he does not feel roads can be designated as parkways. Additional discussion took place on this issue. lOofll 1l Lee Provance Mr. Provance provided additional views on this issue. Ile said right of way issues will be a large hurdle to overcome. He said if he was provided a list he could research right of way issues. Marianne Amsden Ms. Amdsen requested tha contact her. Prepared by: thc. 7rcrrr.%poi ruriorr (`orrr dA7urirr ('on ,nii, e, Jcurarurt 201() Chris Scott Mr. Scott asked whether Ms. Amsden felt it would be appropriate to have a draft of the plan looked at by the TCC prior to presentation to the County Commission. Mr. Scott asked that a status update be provided to TCC during the April meeting. ITEM 9. 2010 MEETING DATES AND ADJOURNMENT April 28, 2010 REGULAR MEETING July 28, 2010 REGULAR MEETING October 27, 2010 REGULAR MEETING Motion and Vote to adjourn the meeting. It was moved by Mayor Krauss, seconded by Lee Provance to adjourn the meeting_ The motion passed unanimously, Aim. e Kissel, Deputy City Clerk Approved on any TCC members have any ideas for recreation preservation to d D Christopher Scotfthairpe son Bozeman Area Transportation Coordinating Committee 11 of 11