HomeMy WebLinkAboutPACKET Transportation Advisory Board 2020-10-21 A
EP
TOWN OF ESTES PARK
Transportation Advisory Board Agenda
October 21,2020 Current Members: Belle Morris(03131/23)
12:00 PM—2:00 PM Lawrence Gamble (03./31/23) Gordon Slack(03/31./21)
Ron Wilcocks (03./31/21) Tom Street(03/31/22)
VIRTUAL—COVID-19 Ann Finley(03/31/23) Linda ilia(03/31/22)
Scott Moulton (03/31/22) ,lmrfce GYo►y(03/31/21)
The Transportation Advisory Board will participate in the meeting remotely due to the Declaration of
Emergency signed by Town Administrator Machalek on March 19, 2020 related to COVID-19 and provided
for with the adoption of Ordinance 04-20 on March 18, 2020
Options for the Public to Participate Remotely and Provide Public Input:
1. By Electronic Mail: Members of the public may provide public comment or comment on a specific
agenda item by sending an email to publicworks@estes.org.The email must be received by 5:00
p.m.,Tuesday, October 20, 2020.All emails will be provided to the Transportation Advisory Board
and incorporated into the minutes.
2. By Telephone Message: Members of the public may provide public comment or comment on a
specific agenda item by calling (970) 577-3587.The calls must be received by 5:00 p.m.,Tuesday,
October 20, 2020. All call-in information will be provided to the Transportation Advisory Board and
incorporated into the minutes.
3. No public attendance at this meeting.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION DURING MEETING
Options for participation in the meeting will be available by call-in telephone option or online via Zoom
Webinar which will be moderated by the Transportation Advisory Board Chairperson.
CALL-IN (TELEPHONE OPTION):
Dial public participation phone number, 1-253-215-8782
Enter the Meeting ID for the September 16, 2020 meeting: 913 9611 0615 followed by the pound sign
(#).The meeting will be available beginning at 11:50 a.m. the day of the meeting. Please call into the
meeting prior to 12:00 p.m., if possible.
Request to Speak: For public comment,the Chairperson will ask attendees to indicate if they would like
to speak—phone participants will need to press *9 to "raise hand".The Chairperson will be moderating
the Zoom session to ensure all participants have an opportunity to address the Transportation Advisory
Board. Once you are announced by phone please state your name and address for the record.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION (ONLINE):
Individuals who wish to address the Board via virtual public participation can do so through Zoom
Webinar at https//zoom.us/w/91396110615—Zoom Webinar ID: 913-9611-0615. Individuals
participating in the Zoom session should also watch the meeting through that site, and not via the
website, due to the streaming delay and possible audio interference.
Start Time:The Zoom Webinar will be available beginning at 11:50 a.m. on the day of the meeting.
Participants wanting to ensure their equipment setup is working should join prior to the start of the meeting
at 12:00 p.m.
Request to Speak: For public comments, the Chairperson will ask attendees to click the "Raise Hand" button
to indicate you would like to speak at that time.The Chairperson will moderate the Zoom session to ensure
all participants have an opportunity to address the Transportation Advisory Board.
• You will experience a short delay prior to re-connecting with the ability to speak.
• State your name and address for the record.
In order to participate,you must:
• Have an internet-enabled smartphone, laptop or computer.
o Using earphones with a microphone will greatly improve your audio experience.
• Join the Zoom Webinar.
o The link can be found above.
• Click "Participate Virtually in the Transportation Advisory Board Meeting".
• DO NOT watch/stream the meeting via the website at the same time due to delays and possible
feedback issues.
Documents to Share: If individuals wish to present a document to the Transportation Advisory Board,
material must be emailed by Tuesday, October 20, 2020 by 12:00 p.m.to the Public Works Office at
publicworks@estes.org.
AGENDA NEXT PAGE
AGENDA
Transportation Advisory Board
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
12:00 p.m.
12:00— 12:05 Public Comment Chair Belle Morris
12:05—12:10 Approval of September Minutes Chair Belle Morris
12:10—12:30 Trail Gaps& Discussion Member, Scott Moulton
12:20—12:35 Safe Routes to School Grant Grant Specialist, Christy Crosser
12:35—1:00 Project Updates Parking& Transit Mgr. Vanessa Solesbee
- Parking Utilization Update The Car Park, Matt Eisenberg
- Parking Update
- Transit Update
1:00—1:20 Project Updates Engineering Mgr. David Hook
1:20—1:40 Project/Administration Updates Public Works Director Greg Muhonen
Adjourn
Carlie Bangs, Town Board Trustee Liaison
Greg Muhonen, Estes Park Public Works Staff Liaison
Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, September 16, 2020
Minutes of a Regular meeting of the Transportation Advisory Board of the
Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado. Meeting held virtually on the
16th day of September 2020.
Committee: Belle Morris, Tom Street, Janice Crow, Ann Finley, Larry
Gamble, Linda Hanick, Scott Moulton, Gordon Slack, Ron
Wilcocks
Attending: Belle Morris, Tom Street, Janice Crow, Ann Finley, Larry
Gamble, Linda Hanick, Scott Moulton, Gordon Slack, Ron
Wilcocks, The Car Park General Mgr. Matt Eisenberg, Trustee
Carlie Bangs, Public Works Director Greg Muhonen,
Engineering Mgr. David Hook, Grants Specialist Christy
Crosser, Parking & Transit Mgr. Vanessa Solesbee
Absent: None
Chair Morris called the meeting to order at 12:00 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT.
No electronic submissions of public comment were received prior to the deadline.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made and seconded (Gamble/Finley) to approve the August meeting
minutes as corrected and all were in favor.
COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE GRANTS (Grant Specialist, Christy Crosser)
Update to Estes Valley Master Trails Plan: Grant Specialist Crosser stated that she is
attending the TAB this month to request a letter of support for each of two grants. The
grantor, Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW), wants to see partnerships and community
outreach related to grant uses. The grant applications are due to CPW on October 1,
2020.
The first grant for which the Town may apply is a planning grant for important updates to
the Estes Valley Recreation & Parks District (EVRPD) Master Trails Plan (MTP). The
MTP was adopted in 2016, but gaps identified within the trail system are now being
identified. Crosser stated the importance of updating the MTP due to its frequent
reference. While working to assess the trail gaps in and around downtown, she felt it
critical to get feedback from the TAB. Crosser would also welcome ideas from friends of
TAB members or any other interested resident. Updating the MTP is important as it is
frequently referenced. If funded, participation in the implementation and prioritization of
the trails from the TAB would be appreciated.
Existing Trail Upgrades: The second grant for which the Town may apply is for
Maintenance & Construction Grant. This provides funds to maintain existing trails. TAB
has made suggestions in the past and this will provide for 1) repair of failed items
(several locations have been identified); and 2) subgrade stabilization work and
upgrading trails to 10' wide, 6" thick. Crosser requested any questions.
Larry Gamble asked if Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) has been involved in the
plan as he believes a letter of support would be provided. Crosser plans to reach out to
Cheri Yost. Gamble also suggested that Estes Park Health may be another possible
support. Crosser will also be reaching out to Economic Development Corporation and
the Chamber of Commerce for a business and economic aspect.
PROJECT UPDATES (Parking & Transit Mgr. Vanessa Solesbee)
Parking Utilization Update: Matt Eisenberg shared parking utilization updates. 2020's
overall average occupancy was 14% less than 2019, with peak occupancy declining
13% in 2020.
Transportation Advisory Board — September 16, 2020 — Page 2
The seven parking lots originally identified for paid parking show the average occupancy
is on point with 2019 at 69%. Peak occupancy was a little higher in 2020. The parking
structure rarely has occupancy higher than 30%, with the average being less than 20%
showing no significant impact from 2019.
Eisenberg broke down citations to the types of violations. A vast majority have been for
time limits being exceeded, 17% have been courtesy citations while other violation
types hold a much smaller percentage.
Net Violations (total minus voided) showed an 11% decrease in violations written in
2020 (less staff in field) but have seen a 29% increase in violations paid (season-to-
date). Director Muhonen asked if Eisenberg could share why there has been such an
increase in violation payments. Eisenberg stated that there is no real clear answer but is
feeling it could be due to the different points of places to pay and may also be a result of
tracking. This year the process was much more consolidated and central. Solesbee
stated this year's follow-up on the citations is better than last year.
Solesbee shared that the parking season ends in two weeks. Data will be collected at
this level into October and will then shift to less frequent data collections.
Town Board Presentation Preview: Manager Solesbee shared that this Town Board
item will go before the trustees in October. She wants to review it with the TAB now,
and then again prior to the meeting. Similar to last year, the information will provide an
overview of the program this season, data, utilization, comparisons between 2019 and
2020 violations, permitting program adding revenue with no price increases, transient
parking, and 2020 program accomplishments & metrics.
The second part of the presentation will be to discuss 2021. Solesbee will be asking to
resume paid parking, with 2019 halted due to COVID-19. The 2021 recommendation
will be the same as the 2020 plan. With The Car Park on board, they've had time to
learn the way the Town operates which will enable better analysis and planning.
Solesbee continues to learn from other entities about transit solutions and lessons
learned for the COVID-19 pandemic. Member Wilcocks asked if Solesbee has planned,
regarding shuttle contracts, for an "out" if the pandemic continues into 2021 and if she
has specifics she can provide the TAB. Solesbee stated that the 2020 pause in service
allowed her to continue planning for 2021 and that this has been taken into account and
no assets will be ordered until the last minute. Wilcocks also wanted to confirm that
individual, 2-stall parking meters would not end up lining the streets. Solesbee stated
that if it becomes needed, they would be kiosks and not meters.
Solesbee has been discussing updates to the municipal code with Police Department.
The list continues to grow and Solesbee opted to do some community outreach prior to
making the code updates. There are a variety of options and some areas of town have
different needs.
Transit Update: Additional CARES Act funding has been awarded the Town. The
original amount received was $94K and the Phase 2 amount awarded was $70K. All
funds will be managed through CDOT and no local match is required. The funds can be
used for a variety of items related to transit for the COVID-19 pandemic. The first
amount awarded needs spent by the end of 2020. The new funding has a different
timeline.
Shuttle ridership has been holding steady with a slight increase over the past couple
weeks. On Labor Day the entire system was over half full.
Solesbee shared her thanks to Chair Morris, Member Gamble and Member Gordon for
assisting with transit ridership intercept surveys. Gamble stated that the folks he was
able to survey were very pleased with the transit service. While there wasn't a great
Transportation Advisory Board — September 16, 2020 — Page 3
deal of ridership most folks decided to get on the shuttle because they saw it go by. It
may benefit additional outreach to notify of the shuttle service. Those riding had glowing
results for the service.
Chair Morris rode on Labor Day and stated that several riders parked at the parking
structure and didn't know about trolley. Having a Parking Ambassador would be helpful
to help educate those who may be unaware of the service. On the Gold route, local
residents suggested extending the hours. They want it to start earlier than 10am. Morris
agreed with Gamble about the potential need for additional outreach.
Wilcocks asked to confirm parking occupancy data is based on reduced occupancy
levels. Eisenberg confirmed and stated that if the data was based on standard
occupancy, the 2020 season would be down 78%.
NoCo Active Transportation Challenge: Estes Park is now partnering with front range
partners in the NoCo Active Transportation Challenge. Solesbee is asking folks to take
the pledge by getting out of your car and riding a shuttle, riding a bicycle or walking, etc.
Statistics will be shared within the group and they'll determine how many miles were
saved on the roads. Currently, Solesbee is the only one in Estes Park that is on the list.
PROJECT UPDATES: ENGINEERING (Engineering Mgr. David Hook)
Fall River Trail Extension: Manager Hook shared that there is a lot of concrete going
down right now. The process started with conventional form work and is now using
paving machine. There is much of the trail area prepped and ready to go and all is
moving along just fine. The Town was notified that the second bridge has been
manufactured and will be delivered, potentially as soon as next week but that's not been
confirmed.
2020 Street Improvement Program (STIP):
The 2020 STIP program is completed for 2020 and contract close-out is in process.
Development Review:
Alarado is coming down to days before they start the construction of traffic signal.
Traffic signal and poles are on order but may not be installed until Spring 2020. Gamble
asked if it is true that Jimmy John's cannot open until signal is installed. Hook confirmed
that is the current requirement but discussions will take place regarding the potential of
a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO). Muhonen stated that it is reasonable to
expect that the business will open (with a TCO) prior to construction of the signal.
Elkhorn Lodge: The Town is expecting construction plans next week.
Stanley Campus: On the far east side of the campus, contractors are actively working
on a parking lot for carriage house improvements. There is more on-campus sidewalk
work to better connect the future restaurant with other portions of the campus which is a
step in the right direction with some of the pedestrian level gaps in connectivity. Chair
Morris asked where they will be putting the sidewalk. Hook stated there are two
sidewalks discussed to this point. One is an extension to the west side of the campus.
Currently, the roundabout at US 34 & MacGregor is linked to the dead-end sidewalk of
the Stanley complex. Connectivity at this location is being proposed. The other is at the
east side of the hotel complex, adding connection to the carriage house, then on to
Steamer Pkwy.
PROJECT / ADMINISTRATION UPDATES (Public Works Director Greg Muhonen)
Signing and striping upgrades to trail crossings of driveways and streets: Director
Muhonen shared that there had been a neighborhood meeting for traffic calming
occurring with 3rd Street residents. There will be upcoming utility work followed by road
upgrades which will use STIP funds. There were a series of meetings and the last
meeting consensus was to keep parking on both sides of the street. The existing code
prohibits parking on paved streets unless marked. The Town will most likely modify the
code to adapt to behavior.
Transportation Advisory Board — September 16, 2020 — Page 4
At the last meeting, due to maintaining parking on both sides of the street, neighbors
accepted one-way traffic so this design will be pursued. Nearby North Ct. and South Ct.
are only 20' wide. For future work, the Town will pursue a layout of parking on one side
of the road with one-way travel. Engineering will join the Streets Division on-site to talk
through the idea to ensure no fatal flaws missed and that striping and signage are taken
into account. There may be a trial for all three roads at one-way (3rd, North, South)
before actually making the change.
Downtown Estes Loop: Muhonen stated that the Town had submitted a grant
application, as previously shared, for Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage
Development (BUILD) this year. In 2019 the Town applied and was not funded. In 2020
the application was based on advice, however the Town was again not funded.
US 36 & Community Drive: The Upper Front Range Transportation group made a call
for Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grant applications. In 2019, the Town
was successful in lobbying, and receiving 100% of those funds for the US 36 &
Community Dr. roundabout. In 2021 the cycle is intended to have all funds be awarded
to Larimer County. This project is still $460K short of what is needed so Muhonen sent
an email to Larimer County representatives stating the desire to apply for the overage
during this opportunity. No response has yet been received but Muhonen will keep the
TAB posted. The application determination is made at the December UFRT meeting.
Grant Specialist Crosser is working on a grant application in the amount of $225K for
trail maintenance. This will address concerns expressed related to trails travelling
across roads and driveways; repairs of failed areas; provide safety enhancements; and
will provide for crack seal for trails along CO Hwy 7 and US 34. Member Gamble shared
concerns about parking parallel along both sides of street and the difficulty of squeezing
into spaces. Morris suggested playing with reverse diagonal parking. Muhonen will see
if that is a possibility. Solesbee recommended against reverse diagonal parking. She's
managed that type of project and had to remove the option.
OTHER DISCUSSION:
Member Moulton will create a template to track the trail gaps and any maintenance
needs and the TAB will discuss further at the regularly scheduled October meeting.
Chair Morris asked if the group should add the streets that currently have no sidewalk
and no walkable locations. Muhonen stated that it would be rather overwhelming and
inconceivable to retrofit narrow streets to add sidewalks. There may be other options
where pedestrians and vehicles share the road. However, if there are specific areas of
concentration for school traversing, that would be a reasonable tracking.
CC — SRTS 2021 version due in November. Currently reaching out to school per in-
school option on Sept 28. Go out and assess needs in 2-mi radius. Recruit students,
etc. ADD TO THE OCT AGENDA
Solesbee shared that the new electric trolley has had numerous issues, but when it's on
the road it is working wonderfully. Cost savings have been tremendous. It has been on
the road on average 5-6 hours per day. Solesbee is hoping for better function next year.
Wilcocks asked Muhonen about the Town purchasing private parking lots, specifically
the East Riverside Condos for Ed's Cantina, Kind Coffee, etc. Matt Eisenberg shared
his concern that the lot would be overwhelmed when the paid parking is implemented.
Solesbee has spoken to Scott Thompson and he plans to move forward with finding out
if the other owners are even interested.
There being no further business, Chair Morris adjourned the meeting at 1:49 p.m.
Megan Van Hoozer, Recording Secretary