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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Transportation Advisory Board 01-20-17 Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, January 20, 2017 Minutes of a regular meeting of the Transportation Advisory Board of the Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado. Meeting held in the Room 203 of Town Hall, in said Town of Estes Park on the 20th day of January, 2017. Present: Kimberly Campbell Tom Street Amy Hamrick Gordon Slack Belle Morris Ken Zornes Also Present: Bob Holcomb, Town Board Liaison Greg Muhonen, Public Works Director Kevin Ash, Engineering Manager Travis Machalek, Assistant Town Administrator Sandy Osterman, Shuttle Committee Megan Van Hoozer, Public Works Admin. Assistant Eagle Rock Students/Staff Absent: Brian Wells, Shuttle Director Gregg Rounds Stan Black Ann Finley Chair Campbell called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. It was moved and seconded (Slack/Morris) to approve the December meeting minutes as presented and the motion passed unanimously. Welcome Eagle Rock Students! Introductions and background information of TAB committee members took place. Director Muhonen described the structure of the community-led Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) as well as the responsibilities of the Public Works Department and the Town Board representative(s). Those attending on behalf of the Eagle Rock School’s Citizen Engagement Group: Aaron Segura, Staff; Cindy Elkins, Staff; Courtney Russel, Associate; and students Amari, Lydia, Mohammad, Sam and Brett. The students were looking at ongoing, future engagement service to the community. Observing the process of the TAB, as well as other advisory board meetings, is one of the initial steps in that process. They were curious to know what youth can do to help shape the community and for opportunities involving educational expansion. GENERAL DISCUSSION With regard to paid parking in downtown Estes Park, Sandy Osterman brought forth the topic of the recent change from free to paid parking involving a parking structure in Denver. There was no positive coverage of the change. Chair Campbell reinforced that only seeing opposing viewpoints makes it difficult to properly gauge acceptance; especially on contentious issues. ATA Machalek mentioned the need for a scientific survey to appropriately gather feedback. Transportation Advisory Board – January 20, 2017 – Page 2 Disappointment was expressed with the seeming unwillingness of Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) to commit in aiding the Town in troubleshooting transportation issues. Chair Campbell stated that the National Park Service is not prepared to utilize roundabouts on any public land which relates to the intersection at Mary’s Lake Rd and Hwy 36. Chair Campbell reminded the TAB that this item could be added to the agenda for future discussions. SHUTTLE UPDATE: There has been a significant growth in the past 10 years of ridership. In 2006 there were 18,764 riders while 2016 provided transportation to 96,264. The effects of the 2017 budget cuts will mean summer service for the Brown Route will end an hour earlier (8:59pm) saving the Town $22,000. There will also be no post-rodeo and post-Scott Fest transportation. The Town Board reviewed the 2017 budget & added $29,000 to provide a new route – the Green route - operating from 12:00pm to 5:00pm daily, with trips every 15 minutes. The Town will begin to utilize the newly implemented Digital Message Signs (DMS) encouraging visitors to park at the fairgrounds and ride to the Downtown/Visitor Center/Bond Park area. Brian Wells had been active in gaining shuttle sponsorship. The business sponsors will be listed on the shuttle pamphlet. Member Morris suggested a press release be distributed to announce the sponsorship opportunity. PROJECT UPDATES, Kevin Ash, Engineering Manager Moraine Avenue Bridge Replacement – Within the pedestrian walkway to be located under Moraine Avenue, the Town was exploring a second bike lane. However, the lane may impact water flow ability. More discussions would take place at the February 1st Open House in Town Hall. MacGregor Avenue Improvements: Multiple meetings with the consultant had taken place to determine if curb & gutter would be needed on both the east and west sides of the road or east side only. The trail would be constructed on the east side. Additional discussions are set to take place at the Open House on February 3rd in Town Hall. Answers and information would be gathered/decided prior to meeting. Director Muhonen attended the Estes Valley Recreation and Parks District (EVRPD) meeting and alerted the TAB that they had received approval by their Town Board to pick up trail construction concurrent with our project, taking it from the town limits to Lumpy Ridge. Digital Message Signs (DMS): A news release will be issued reflecting the established locations for the signs and will encourage public feedback. During February, the Town will begin to utilize the Police Department signage for location feedback prior to final installation. The location map is available on the Public Works website. The signs will use a minimum of 8” letters and allow for 21 characters. As a result, the sign will be 3’8” tall and 12’ wide. 2017 Street Improvement Program: There will be a presentation on this program at the February 14th Town Board Study Session. All are welcome to attend. Transportation Advisory Board – January 20, 2017 – Page 3 Fall River Trail: The design consultant is tentatively scheduled to complete final design plans by the end of March 2017. Effective February 1, 2017, there will be trail connectivity grant opportunities through the Great Outdoors Colorado’s (GOCO) grant program. PROJECT UPDATES, Greg Muhonen, Public Works Director Fish Creek Public Infrastructure Project: Director Muhonen gave the TAB a brief update on upcoming work, including the addition of a precast concrete culvert Intersection will be closed at Scott Ave/ and Fish Creek Rd. The flatwork for the trail along with road repairs were expected to be complete by early summer 2017 while the remaining work was set to be complete by September 2017. Transit Facility Parking Structure: Warmer weather had allowed work to proceed on this project. Director Muhonen stated that the timber design/installation would begin shortly. After additional research and discussions, the Town was able to acquire traditional joinery for the timber rather than black plates with big bolts. This option is less expensive and has more aesthetic appeal. OFFICER ELECTIONS: Kimberly Campbell would nominate herself for an additional term as Chairperson. This nomination was seconded by Member Slack. Chair Campbell informed the group that this would be the last term as Chairperson. All members were in favor of the nomination. For the Vice-Chairperson position of the TAB, Chair Campbell nominated Belle Morris for an additional term. This nomination was seconded by Member Hamrick. All members were in favor of the nomination. TAB INITIATIVES Downtown Estes Loop: Funding for the LOOP project was extended until 2021. Town Board Liaison Holcomb stated that there is a Programming Decision Committee (PDC) Meeting in August. The Right of Way process and design would need to be complete prior to presenting the request for funding reacceleration to PDC. The process may take until February 2018, but the Town is attempting to be ready by August 2017. OTHER BUSINESS Per Member Slack, the condition of Elkhorn Avenue implies that it should be repaired sooner rather than waiting for the LOOP project. Director Muhonen suggested there may be a possibility that CDOT could be reached to request resurfacing. Member Slack anticipated that the road would be gravel before being addressed by the LOOP project. Director Muhonen reminded all that CDOT has many high-need situations in much larger communities and any action by CDOT would be more likely to happen if they received large community feedback. With no other business to discuss, Chair Campbell adjourned the meeting at 10:32 am.