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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-23-13 Minutes - Transportation Coordinating Committee1 of 12 MINUTES BOZEMAN AREA TRANSPORTATION COORDINATING COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2013 • These minutes are not word for word and should be considered in addition to the audio recording. ITEM 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ATTENDANCE Chair Bob Lashaway called the meeting to order at 10:06 a.m. on January 23, 2013 in the City Commission Room, City Hall, 121 North Rouse Avenue, Bozeman, MT and directed members to introduce themselves. Members present: Carol Strizich, Statewide, Urban Planning, MDT Ralph Zimmer, Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Committee Bob Lashaway, Montana State University, Chair of the TCC Rob Bukvich, Montana Department of Transportation, Bozeman Dustin Rouse, Montana Department of Transportation, Butte District Engineering Marianne Jackson Amsden, Gallatin County Planning Board Dan Martin, Bozeman Citizen Representative Trever McSpadden, City of Bozeman Planning Board Bill Cochran, Bozeman Area Bicycle Advisory Board Sam Gianfrancisco, Gallatin County Citizen Representative Craig Woolard, Director of Public Works Joe Walsh, Montana Department of Transportation, Butte Lloyd Rue, Federal Highway Administration George Durkin Bill Murdock, County Commissioner Dave Fowler, Interim Road Superintendent for Gallatin County Christopher Scott, Gallatin County Planning Department Guests / Staff present: Jesse Anderson, from Senator Max Baucus’ Bozeman office Laura Sampson, from Senator Max Baucus’ Bozeman office Aimee Brunckhorst, Bozeman Deputy City Clerk taking minutes John Van Delinder, Bozeman Street Department Chris Saunders, Bozeman Department of Community Development Rick Hixson, Bozeman City Engineering Chris Naumann, Downtown Bozeman Partnership 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 Transportation Coordinating Committee Minutes for January 23, 2013 2 of 12 speaker.} Chair Bob Lashaway opened public comment. Chris Naumann, Downtown Bozeman Partnership Mr. Naumann provided an update on a plan for improvements to the Mendenhall corridor parallel to the downtown district and Main Street. He provided materials and gave a brief overview. Mr. Naumann said the project they are proceeding to move forward with would dovetail the cities planned utility upgrades from Broadway to Seventh in the summer of 2013 and roadway resurfacing and striping in 2014. As a goal of the downtown improvement plan, they would like to do streetscape improvements along Mendenhall from Rouse to Grand in 2014. Mr. Naumann said he would be talking with many of the TCC members for feedback on this project. He is getting preliminary cost estimates on the streetscape portion which they would look to fund primarily through a special improvement district. He will then be meeting with property owners along that route. If they received traction, they would move forward from there. See the attached working document on this project (see attachment). Robert Lashaway disclosed for the record that he serves on the Downtown Tax Increment Finance Board. ITEM 3. ELECTION OF OFFICERS Motion and Vote to elect Bob Lashaway as the Chair of the Transportation Coordinating Committee. It was moved by Christopher Scott, seconded by Ralph Zimmer to elect Bob Lashaway as Chair of the Transportation Coordinating Committee. The motion passed unanimously. Motion and Vote to elect Christopher Scott as the Vice-Chair of the Transportation Coordinating Committee. It was moved by Rob Bukvich, seconded by Dan Martin to elect Christopher Scott as the Vice-Chair of the Transportation Coordinating Committee. The motion passed unanimously. Motion and Vote to elect Aimee Brunckhorst as recording secretary of the Transportation Coordinating Committee. It was moved by Trever McSpadden, seconded by Sam Gianfrancisco Vote to elect Aimee Brunckhorst as recording secretary of the Transportation Coordinating Committee. The motion passed unanimously. Transportation Coordinating Committee Minutes for January 23, 2013 3 of 12 ITEM 3. MINUTES OF OCTOBER 2012 Motion and Vote to approve the minutes of October 24, 2012. It was moved by Rob Bukvich , seconded by Trever McSpadden, to approve the minutes of October 24, 2012. The Motion passed unanimously. ITEM 4. TCC COMMITTEE/MEMBER REPORTS A. Transit Committee Report Dan Martin reported that Streamline started the Skyline link from Bozeman to Big Sky, with five a day and seven runs on weekends. Ridership is up a little bit over last year. They had an incident at Oak and 15 th and the bus shelter is out of order as a vehicle went into it while avoiding a bus at the stop. B. Gallatin County (Commission/Planning Board) Marianne Amsden spoke regarding a County Planning Board application recently received from Northwestern Energy for a service pressure station at the corner of Cottonwood and Blackwood and would be in the right-of-way of what a principal arterial should have. They were able to reference the Transportation Plan that had been adopted by the County Commission to convince them to relocate further away from that road. The application brought up the question regarding what is going on with the investigation to improvements to Cottonwood and get the right of way needed to work on that road as there is growth in that area. Chris Saunders said the city and the school district have had conversations and they are still holding the property in the area, but are also considering other areas. There was a minor subdivision through the County and they got the eastern half of the right-of-way on Cottonwood all the way from Huffine to Stucky. This was a significant right-of-way acquisition The city annexed about 10 acres on the corner of Cottonwood and Huffine. The west side is already developed out for the standard section on that side of the street. Bob Lashaway asked whether this item should be listed on the next TCC agenda for updating. Marianne Amsden spoke regarding a prior commitment by TCC members to meet regarding this section and nail down jurisdictional issues on Huffine and who would be responsible for maintaining that area between the state and county. Rob Bukvich said the meeting that has not yet occurred was to keep track of the school district plans. Rob Bukvich explained that Cottonwood Road is eligible for funds on the secondary system but is under the maintenance jurisdiction of Gallatin County. Transportation Coordinating Committee Minutes for January 23, 2013 4 of 12 Chris Saunders explained that the city has a representative on the Public School District’s long range facility planning group. Members further discussed issues surrounding this area. Bob Lashaway said he would put together a meeting. C. City of Bozeman (Commission/Planning Board) Trever McSpadden said the Planning Board has not met all year. Mr. McSpadden said the city has been working on a potential comprehensive plan for the triangle growth areas of city of Bozeman, Four Corners and Belgrade. They will be referencing the transportation plan throughout the effort. Chris Saunders spoke regarding a possible presentation from the Montana State University School of Architecture who are using a software tool called Envision. It provides opportunities to look at scenario planning. This type of tool may be something the TCC would like to see as some of the long terms planning tools are evolving. If this is a presentation members are interested in, Chris will get a hold of Ralph Johnson at the University. Trever McSpadden explained that the software creates scenarios that will help establish how and where we are going to grow. One of the scenarios is a transportation corridor scenario. Chris Saunders said the program allows you to provide ‘what ifs’ and it provides constrained outcomes. Bob Lashaway asked whether a Belgrade and Four Corners representative should be involved. Chris Saunders said Belgrade has been involved in this project. He will set up a presentation and invite those folks. D. Bike Advisory Board Bill Cochran did not have anything new to report. He firmly believes that the committee needs to keep in mind alternative transportation as the group moves forward with the plan just discussed. Rob Bukvich said he received a letter from the Bike Board asking the state to consider bike lanes on West Main Street when it is resurfaced in the next year or two. Mr. Bukvich said MDT has considered that but do not think there is a physical location to fit bike lanes in. Bill Cochran asked about the potential of thermo plastic sharrows through that stretch to heighten awareness. Rob Bukvich said he would be willing to talk about sharrows with Mr. Cochran. He also spoke regarding the lack of connectivity. Transportation Coordinating Committee Minutes for January 23, 2013 5 of 12 Further discussion occurred among members about connectivity. Rob Bukvich confirmed he would be willing to talk with the Bicycle Advisory Board about the possibility of sharrows. E. Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Committee Ralph Zimmer reported that the MDT safety folks out of Helena attended one of the Committee’s meetings. County and state MDT representatives invited by the Committee attended the meeting. MDT said they will investigate into crash history and other features at South 19 th and Patterson and South 19 th and Goldenstien. Mr. Zimmer has since been informed that the state followed through and MDT looked at those locations. They concluded it would be advantageous from a safety perspective to make some improvements at both of those intersections. They are proposing those improvements as Highway Safety Improvement Projects that will be considered at the State Transportation Commission meeting next week. During new business he would ask that this body endorse those projects in advance of the vote and if approved, communicate that endorsement to the Transportation Commission. The Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Committee is proud of their involvement to make this happen and are looking forward to the Commission’s approval. Mr. Zimmer then asked if the projects are approved by the Commission, how far out would these projects likely be scheduled. Dustin Rouse with MDT said depending on right of way needed, those can happen within 2 to 4 years depending on funding. Ralph Zimmer said the Committee is in the process of requesting time to interact with the County Commission. They are hoping the County Commission will meet with the Pedestrian and Traffic Safety committee. This Friday the County Commission is having a networking consultation with the leadership of Bozeman, Belgrade, and other communities in the area to discuss mutual concerns at McKenzie River Pizza in Belgrade. This meeting is open to the public to listen in. F. Montana Department of Transportation Dustin Rouse followed up on Mr. Zimmer’s report saying MDT has several related projects being presented to the Transportation Commission next week. He spoke regarding a project that has already been approved by the Transportation Commission on Nez Perce at the curve at the bottom of 19 th . They will likely try to combine all the projects into one. Dustin Rouse said MDT’s tentative 5 year construction plan was approved on November 2 nd . G. Federal Highway Administration Lloyd Rue said the partial year appropriations bill is good thru March. H. Other TCC Member/Committee Reports Transportation Coordinating Committee Minutes for January 23, 2013 6 of 12 Sam Gianfrancisco introduced Dave Fowler, the new Gallatin County Road and Bridge Superintendent and welcomed him to the Committee. ITEM 5. OLD BUSINESS A. Federal Transportation Reauthorization Act Dustin Rouse said Map 21 went into effect October 1st and extends for two years. There are now six funding programs. CTEP is now called Transportation Alternatives. Joe Walsh said the Transportation Alternatives program is similar to the existing CTEP but some of the categories were eliminated. They are working on the process of establishing eligibly and establishing the rules. Existing funding will stay in place, but will have a sunset. Ralph Zimmer clarified that in the future CTEP funds will not be apportioned out to cities and counties but rather cities and counties will propose projects and the state will prioritize and make the decisions regarding funding. Dan Martin said that from the transit side, it will not change a lot right now, but they just did a study on Streamline. They were advised to hold steady regarding what they are doing now and not to make any drastic changes because depending on future funding they may need to retract some routes. The state received a little less money for equipment. ITEM 6. NEW BUSINESS A. Approval of new urban boundary Dustin Rouse provided background on this item explaining that as a result of the 2010 census the Federal Highway created census blocks. This was brought to the city and TCC for review at the last TCC meeting. There was concern from the city about the new urban boundary. The TCC can either accept the Federal Highway’s boundary that did not use blocks or approve the blocked section boundaries developed with the city. The city created boundary has to be very close to the Federal Highway created boundary, but follows block lines instead of the squiggly boundary created by the census. Previous motions from the October 24, 2012 Transportation Coordinating Committee meeting were made and then tabled. Chris Saunders said he thinks the blocked boundaries make more sense than the squiggly boundaries. Concerns remain, but are not anything the TCC can do anything about because we cannot change the Federal Government’s methodology. Bob Lashaway asked whether the new MDT urban boundary will bind the city in a way they do not want to be bound. Transportation Coordinating Committee Minutes for January 23, 2013 7 of 12 Chris Saunders explained the issue is that property owners outside of the city are being told that they are being brought into the urban boundary. There are funding decisions made about that, yet they are not part of the city so the city does not have any jurisdiction in those areas. The essential piece to avoid potential conflicts between jurisdictions is for all the various agencies involved to be on the same page about explaining this boundary and that this is a federal rule. Rob Bukvich said MDT can sit down with the city and county to discuss jurisdiction and clarification. The change in this boundary means that different areas can now be eligible for the city to spend urban money on. Dustin Rouse suggested that since the new urban boundary will include Belgrade, it may be time to invite Belgrade to have a TCC representative. Craig Woolard said discussion occurred during the last TCC meeting that the City wanted a chance to speak with the County to avoid confusion. Mr. Woolard said he has talked with the City and County Managers about it and a meeting is set up for next week between the City and County. Rob Bukvich explained that the city determines if they want to spend money there. Rob Bukvich said another part of the Highway bills makes the main roads in the urban areas no longer be urban routes but now part of the National Highway System. Carol Strizich said the change in each system as a result will put major arterials on the Highway System automatically. MDT is looking at the implications and is requesting a few minor changes be made on the new Highway system map to close up gaps and take out a piece that does not make sense. The urban routes are still eligible for urban funds. This change allows the potential for NH funds to be used for those routes. NH funds are still prioritized by the district. Tabled Motions on the Floor from the 10-24-12 meeting: Chris Saunders moved to approve the yellow boundary as the updated Bozeman 2010 census urban boundary. Trever McSpadden seconded the motion on the floor. Ralph Zimmer moved that the motion on the floor be amended to make the TCC approval contingent upon subsequent concurrence by the City and the County. Tom Rogers seconded the amendment to the motion. The Committee discussed the amendment to the motion. The amendment to the main motion did not pass. Transportation Coordinating Committee Minutes for January 23, 2013 8 of 12 Vote on the main motion to approve the yellow boundary as the updated Bozeman 2010 census urban boundary. The main motion passed unanimously. B. Expanded National Highway System Carol Strizich said this item is an informational piece for the TCC, with no action from the Committee needed. Map 21 made some changes and this is what they are in the Bozeman area. Rick Hixson asked for clarification about the definition of principal arterials in the letter. Carol Strizich explained that the federal definition is different than Bozeman’s principal arterials. Rick Hixson spoke saying the Federal definition does not make sense. For example, South 19 th is less than a principal arterial than North 19 th . Carol Strizich said that from a statewide perspective, there have been changes since a statewide assessment has been completed. This may be happening within the next few years. Rob Bukvich explained that some of the difference is that all of the Federal principal arterials have direct access to the interstate system. The Federal definition is not necessarily about traffic. Carol Strizich said the only change the state anticipates will be made in regards to the urban boundary is expanding the urban routes to the new boundary. If communities want to re-adjust their urban system, they would need to go through the process of requesting the changes, documenting the reasoning and then go through the Commission to be changed. There is a definite process. They have to make sure the routes are functionally classified and then MDT would have to concur and make recommendations on behalf of the cities. Carol Strizich said that from a state perspective, every Transportation Plan update would welcome a more aligned system map. The city would need to initiate that and then MDT has specific Federal guidelines for MDT to follow. Trever McSpadden asked whether it would be in the cities best interest to align to the Federal classification if there were federal funding implications. Carol Strizich explained that the biggest implication for functional classification is road design standard and right of ways. This could potentially create a higher design standard for Rouse that may or may not be appropriate. The Committee discussed further how this may affect projects in the future. Rob Bukvich said there should be plenty of time to go through that process as the next two projects College Street and possibly after that Kagy Boulevard would not be affected. Transportation Coordinating Committee Minutes for January 23, 2013 9 of 12 Bob Lashaway asked whether TCC should be looking at addressing this issue to possibly adopt the same standards. Rob Bukvich said MDT has made modifications as necessary. He does not see a downside to the change. The up side is that it opens up new funding categories. Now there is an option that MDT can pay for things or supplement. Chris Saunders said it will be good to compare these boundaries to the Transportation Plan. Rob Bukvich said the three roads under discussion are North 19 th , North 7 th and Main Street. MDT won’t be doing anything with these; the roads are what they are now. Christopher Scott asked whether Belgrade had adopted the boundary yet. If they haven’t, they may want to modify theirs. They may want to encompass the section that the city of Bozeman has not. C. OTHER NEW BUSINESS Ralph Zimmer moved that the Transportation Coordinating Committee strongly endorses approval of the proposed highway safety improvement projects at South 19 th and Goldenstein and at South 19 th and Patterson and request they be implemented at the earliest possible date. Sam Gianfrancisco seconded. Ralph Zimmer made a friendly amendment to his motion that the TCC send a letter to the State Transportation Commission strongly endorsing approval…. Marianne Amsden thanked Ralph Zimmer for taking the initiative on these projects and moving them forward. Sam Gianfrancisco said he had visited with Jeff (Ebert) about the rough shape of South 19th between Patterson and Goldenstein. Jeff said MDT would consider that when another project was in the area. Mr. Gianfrancisco would hope that they would look into this during these projects. Vote on the motion that the Transportation Coordinating Committee send a letter to the State Transportation Commission strongly endorsing approval of the proposed highway safety improvement projects at South 19 th and Goldenstein and at South 19 th and Patterson and request they be implemented at the earliest possible date. The motion passed unanimously. Bob Lashaway said he would work with Aimee Brunckhorst and Ralph Zimmer to get the letter drafted and sent. Transportation Coordinating Committee Minutes for January 23, 2013 10 of 12 ITEM 7. PROJECT UPDATES A. MSU Projects Updates Bob Lashaway reported they will re-open the intersection of Harrison and 11 th just south of the roundabout this summer. That project is in design and will be bid soon. They will also be doing a project to complete the paving of the south hill parking lot to improve the regional entry from the airport down 19th to Kagy when they bring in international visitors. They will be working on the field house this summer. They May pave on the west side of the Stadium dependent on donor funding. Bob Lashaway spoke regarding the route of Kagy Blvd west of 11 th is really constrained especially after football games from both a traffic and pedestrian standpoint with people walking in the roadway. We can see that daily traffic is increasing and the recently added extended after hour uses are tough on that area of Kagy Blvd. B. CTEP Projects (Transportation Alternatives) Rick Hixson said there is a selection committee meeting to choose a consultant for the design of the Oak Street pathway. The city CTEP contract has been returned to MDT, and the city expects approval for design soon. Joe Walsh said the clock is ticking on the CTEP projects, but we are not in jeopardy at this point. A document will come out with all the dates. Rob Bukvich said the practical implications said when the money already approved is spent the new rules and new projects kick in. With the current money, the city and county need to think long and hard about what projects to put forward for this as it will be the last chance to have all the say in these. The new rules require that the department pick the projects in the future, and grant applications submitted and there will be competition. C. Intersection Improvement Projects None. D. North Rouse Avenue Dustin Rouse reported MDT will be constructing the section from Oak to Story Mill first. That portion is tentatively scheduled to be let for construction in 2016 with the second portion outside of their five year funding plan. The section from Oak to Story Mill has fewer issues. They are pursuing and acquiring right-of-way on the entire corridor together. Rob Bukvich said they have to move forward more seriously to do something with L Street even though it won’t be an official detour. L Street cuts across from Tamarack to Story Mill Road. MDT will have to see if they can fix that up. Transportation Coordinating Committee Minutes for January 23, 2013 11 of 12 E. I-90 Improvements Dustin Rouse reported they have summer projects starting from Three Forks to Manhattan with a mill and fill project. They are also installing a pedestrian underpass in Manhattan. The letting of the North 7 th interchange was last week. Other projects tied to that are Bozeman East (chip seal) and Bozeman structures which are seismic retrofits to the footings on several of the Bozeman structures. F. I-90 / East Belgrade Interchange Report Rob Bukvich said they are planning on letting that job in July. There are lots of hoops they are working through. Gallatin County has to agree and sign a funding agreement to receive a Tiger grant. Now they are buying right of way and working with the utility company. Dustin Rouse said the County is obtaining right of way and have 57 of 74 closed. They have begun contacting the seven different utility companies. The Tiger Agreement will be into Jeff Patton for approval this week. Dave Fowler said the right of way purchases are going really well and they are pleased with how they are going. G. TSM’s None. H. Jackrabbit Lane Improvements Dustin Rouse reported that Four Corners North will be completed next summer. Design is progressing on the Belgrade South project and that is tentatively scheduled for February 2015 for letting. This summer they will have the project called turn lanes Gallatin Canyon and a pavement preservation project called Spanish Creek North and South. Dave Fowler thanked MDT for the signal at Baxter and Jackrabbit, saying what a huge difference it has made. I. College Street - 19 th to Main Rob Bukvich explained that the design on this project is progressing and will happen in 2014. They will be rebuilding from the stoplight at the Main mall to tie into 19 th . It will include a signal at 23 rd and College with three lanes for most of it and from 23rd to 19th they will create two turning lanes. Discussion occurred regarding past conversations regarding roundabouts. J. North Seventh Overpass Transportation Coordinating Committee Minutes for January 23, 2013 12 of 12 Dustin Rouse said this was awarded last week. K. Other None. ITEM 8. 2013 MEETING DATES AND ADJOURNMENT * April 24, 2013 – 10 a.m. REGULAR MEETING * * July 24, 2013 – 10 a.m. REGULAR MEETING * * October 23, 2013 – 10 a.m. REGULAR MEETING * Sam Gianfrancisco moved to adjourn with a second from Bill Cochran. The motion passed unanimously. Bob Lashaway adjourned the meeting at 11: 57 p.m. ______________________________________________________ Bob Lashaway, Chairperson Bozeman Area Transportation Coordinating Committee Prepared by: _______________________________ Aimee J. Brunckhorst, Deputy City Clerk Approved on: