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Home My WebLink AboutMINUTES Transportation Advisory Board 2022-12-21 Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, December 21, 2022 Minutes of a Regular meeting of the TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY BOARD of the Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado. Meeting held in the Municipal Building in said Town of Estes Park on the 21st day of December, 2022. Board: Chair Belle Morris; Vice-Chair Kristen Ekeren; Members Javier Bernal, Jessica Ferko, Ann Finley, Larry Gamble, Linda Hanick, Mark Igel, and Gordon Slack; Trustee Patrick Martchink; Staff Liaison Greg Muhonen Attending: Chair Morris; Vice-Chair Ekeren; Members Bernal, Ferko, Gamble, Hanick, Igel, and Slack; Trustee Martchink; Director Muhonen; Managers Hook and Solesbee; Recording Secretary McDonald; Jeff Bailey, Public Works Engineer; Presenters Ryan Burke and Melita Pawlowski, Slate Communications; Tom Hannah, Public Attendee Absent: Member Finley Chair Morris called the meeting to order at 12:17 p.m. Prior to commencement of the official agenda, Director Muhonen thanked TAB members for their 2022 service. An appreciation lunch was available during the meeting. PUBLIC COMMENT Tom Hannah (Resident) expressed support of the Town’s work in exploring different traffic patterns on one-way streets in the Reclamation Neighborhood area. He also expressed safety concerns about the crosswalk at Highway 7 and First Street, where signage is difficult for drivers to see. TRUSTEE LIAISON UPDATE Trustee Martchink did not provide an update. APPROVAL OF MINUTES DATED NOVEMBER 16, 2022 It was moved and seconded (Gamble/Hanick) to approve the November 16, 2022, minutes with minor amendments, and the motion passed unanimously. DOWNTOWN WAYFINDING PLAN Manager Hook referenced the November 11 Downtown Wayfinding Signage Program – Design & Implementation Plan (DWP) that was presented at the TAB’s November 16 meeting. Plan review by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) revealed concerns about the language and icon use on type 7 signs in CDOT right-of-way, which do not comply with their wayfinding standards defined in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Transportation Advisory Board – December 21, 2022 – Page 2 Control Devices (MUTCD). The DWP has been adjusted to eliminate directions to name- specific local destinations, since such specific language is reserved for brown signs signifying state and national resources. Manager Hook will redline CDOT’s specifications about its ROW signage guidelines in the DWP for reference when the affected signage nears its implementation phase. Structural member accommodations will also be made to address CDOT concerns. There was brief discussion about the need for improved signage prohibiting electric scooters and skateboards on sidewalks; this can best be addressed by adequate signage in the dismount zone, but further options can be discussed if such signage is ineffective. Member Hook anticipates bringing the DWP to the Town Board for adoption on January 24. CLEAVE STREET IMPROVEMENTS Engineer Bailey referred to the “Key Features” page of his presentation as the most illustrative and dynamic design for Cleave Street’s parking and ADA considerations. Transformer boxes will be moved to the south side of the street. Duct bank and gas lines will be moved at the expense of CenturyLink. The Town Board is receptive of the current plans but requests that dumpsters be consolidated and managed by the Town. The 90% plan is expected in January, barring utility work delays. TRANSIT BRANDING PROJECT KICK-OFF & VISIONING EXERCISE Manager Solesbee invited Slate Communications presenters Ryan Burke (Founder/Storyteller) and Melita Pawlowski (Communications Specialist) to introduce themselves and launch an interactive, Mentimeter visioning survey as phase one for the Estes Transit branding project. The goals of the Slate team, which has already begun stakeholder meetings, are to increase awareness of Estes Transit; develop a name and brand that define its identity and value to riders; and ensure that awareness leads to increased ridership during the 2023 visitor season. Discussion points included Estes Park’s “adventurous and outdoorsy” identity as the gateway community to Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), and the general symbiotic relationship between the town and the park; the “car-centric” nature of residents and visitors; the lack of connection between many of the area’s destinations; the community’s need for some respite from tourism crowds during the off-season; the lack of ease and convenience for people who wish to avoid driving and parking once they arrive; the need for consistency and understanding of weekday and weekend transit schedules from season to season; what resources are used by the average person planning to visit the area; what can be learned from transit systems in Colorado’s ski areas, with consideration for the Town’s comparably inferior funding resources; how families could be better served to promote utilization of Estes Transit; and educational opportunities about transit offerings and the general walkability of the area, especially from the parking structure. It was agreed that Estes Park’s ideal future would see greater and balanced use of public transportation by locals and visitors, and increased options for on-demand transit— particularly in light of the preferences and habits of millennials and following generations. MOBILITY SERVICES UPDATES Transportation Advisory Board – December 21, 2022 – Page 3 Manager Solesbee advised that a February 14 Town Board Study Session would focus on coordinating regional transit along US 34 with Loveland, Greeley, and Fort Collins; the TAB will be provided further information between now and then. The 2022 Transit Report will be presented in January; the 2023 transit service will be presented to the TAB once updated hourly pricing is received from the Town’s contracted service provider. The Town typically “piggybacks” off Rocky Mountain National Park’s (RMNP) transit service contract, and that 2023 contract is still in process. The Parking Revenue Task Force plans its third meeting in January; thus far, discussions have focused on the desire for more parking spaces, improved communication about real-time parking availability, and expanded transit services. At a December 13 Town Board Study Session, staff’s recommendation to hold the parking program steady—stabilizing fees with operational improvements—was well-received, and a resolution to set 2023 parking fees will be presented in January; the TAB will be asked for a letter of support. The second trolley is in service as the “Jolly Trolley, and the battery life is keeping up with the season’s demands; the first trolley is still here and functioning but should return to the manufacturer next week for necessary repairs. DOWNTOWN ESTES LOOP & COMMUNITY DRIVE ROUNDABOUT Director Muhonen advised that the Downtown Estes Loop preconstruction meeting with Flatiron Construction will take place January 12. The Community Drive Roundabout bid opening was December 12; the one bid exceeded the engineer’s estimate by $1100, and CDOT is now reviewing the package for concurrence to award. Town crews will handle electrical and landscaping work. Staff will seek Town Board approval of the contract on January 28, and construction would begin mid-February for completion in June. ENGINEERING & ADMINISTRATION UPDATES Director Muhonen advised that the succeeding Town Engineer position is still open. Manager Hook advised that the new Civil Engineer starts January 9 and will attend the January 18 TAB. Construction of the Fall River Trail Extension begins the first week of January. The Graves Avenue – Safe Routes to School project is moving along. There are 10-12 bidding and design projects on deck for 2023, and grants for several projects are in motion. OTHER BUSINESS None. There being no further business, Chair Morris adjourned the meeting at 1:51 p.m. /s/Lani McDonald, Recording Secretary