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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Transportation Advisory Board 2016-01-20RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, January 20th, 2016 Minutes of a Regular meeting of the Transportation Advisory Board of the Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado. Meeting held in the Rooms 202 & 203 of Town Hall, in said Town of Estes Park on the 20th day of January, 2016. Present: Kimberly Campbell Gregg Rounds Stan Black Amy Hamrick Belle Morris Bryon Holmes Gordon Slack Thom Widawski Also Present:Greg Muhonen, Director of Public Works John Ericson, Town Board Liaison Samantha Phillips, Recording Secretary Kevin Ash, Engineering Manager Absent: Ann Finley Chair Campbell called the meeting to order at 12:01 p.m. GENERAL DISCUSSION It was moved and seconded (Hamrick/Morris) to approve the January meeting minutes and the motion passed unanimously. Trustee Ericson gave the Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) a brief update on a draft policy for the financial surplus levels to keep the Town financially viable. The Town Board unanimously approved the adoption of the Parking Strategy Report. Sandy Osterman presented the Shuttle Committee update. The Committee would continue to discuss potential year round shuttle service options during brainstorming study sessions. If the Town Board approves, the Shuttle Committee would search for grants to support the shuttle and the year round shuttle would potentially be added in 2017. Expansion of shuttle routes continues to be discussed. The shuttle routes would remain the same except for a few different stops which were removed amid safety concerns. OFFICER ELECTIONS Chair Campbell proceeded for self -nomination. Gordon Slack moved for approval and Amy Hamrick seconded the motion. Chair Campbell nominated the current Co-chair Belle Morris as Co -Chair with all members voting in favor. Chair Campbell reminded the Board the terms of Amy Hamrick, Thom Widawski, and Bryon Holmes would expire on March 31st, 2016. Said members have the option to reapply if they wish to remain on the Board. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Transportation Advisory Board — January 20th, 2016 — Page 2 PROJECT UPDATES The public comment period for the Visitors Center Parking Structure has closed following the release of the Environmental Assessment. Few comments were received and most requested a copy of the final finding of no significant impact. The Bureau of Reclamation is currently working on finalizing the terms for a Special Use Permit. The Federal Transit Administration has not replied to the Town's request to relocate the parking structure to the south lot. Director Muhonen stated as soon as authorization is given, construction would begin. This project is expected to take approximately 8 months from beginning to completion and would unavoidably encroach into the visitation season. The Visitors Center Bathroom Expansion is under construction and would be open for use in the spring. At December's TAB meeting, CDOT did not support reinstatement of the Barnes Dance due to technical analysis showing it delayed traffic further. Public Works presented the memorandum to the PUP Committee on January 14, 2016 and requested staff to prepare a resolution for the Town Board to consider. The resolution would direct the Mayor or Town Administrator to formally request CDOT permanently reinstate the Barnes Dance no later than Memorial Day 2016. The reinstatement would eliminate conflict between pedestrians and turning vehicles while allowing 2600 pedestrians to cross the intersection within an hour as compared to 1300. Director Muhonen spoke with the Technical Advisory Committee (TAG) regarding the hydrologic impact of the Downtown Estes Loop. Several bridges would have to be replaced. The Environmental Assessment is on schedule for May. The funding realities with Central Federal Lands are likely to result in the construction of the Loop should it be approved. Tentative plans are being arranged for construction to begin fall of 2018 into winter of 2019. The Town Board gave direction to pursue the Fish Hatchery Road trails alignment. Public Works would reach out to affected property owners since the project would entail drilling down into alignment and placement onto specific parcels. The 1A Sales Tax Initiative funded 2024 Street Improvement Project is underway. The software would model different options for maintaining and upgrading streets to extend the service life involving a variety of treatment recommendations and including what year in the 9 year life cycle is the most appropriate year for fixtures. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Transportation Advisory Board — January 20th, 2016 — Page 3 2016 MEETING AND PROJECT SCHEDULE Chair Campbell gave a brief description of the 2016 Board Objectives. TAB intends to have the 2017 budget goals by the May meeting for recommendation to the Town Board. Campbell inquired on what projects the TAB believes that the Board should be heavily involved in. Wayfinding signage was discussed in order to assist in guiding visitors through Town. After a debate on whether or not private enterprises should have an exception for signage, the Board agreed to keep private enterprises off and only use public destinations. The TAB would focus on the scale of signs regarding pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular while the Downtown Neighborhood Plan Advisory Committee would make recommendations involving the marketing aspect. OTHER BUSINESS Co-chair Morris gave a presentation on bicycle lanes throughout the Town with focus on CO-7 and U.S. Hwy 36 intersection. Among the information presented to the Board, special emphasis was placed on lane size. With wider lanes, drivers tend to exhibit more relaxed behavior whereas with narrower lanes, drivers show more caution and bicyclists ride more vigilantly. The Board would like to see more bike lanes connected to trails. With no other business to discuss, Chair Campbell adjourned the meeting at 1:57 pm.