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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Transportation Advisory Committee 2014-10-15 Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, October 15th, 2014 Minutes of a Regular meeting of the Transportation Advisory Committee of the Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado. Meeting held in the Administration Conference Room, Room 150 of Town Hall, in said Town of Estes Park on the 15th day of October, 2014. Present: Kimberly Campbell Cory LaBianca Stan Black Bryon Holmes Gregg Rounds Amy Hamrick Thom Widawski Also Present: Greg Muhonen, Public Works Director Kevin Ash, Public Works Civil Engineer Jen Imber, Public Works Administrative Assistant Sandy Osterman, Shuttle Committee Representative Larry Gamble, RMNP John Hannah, RMNP Absent: Ann Finley Belle Morris Chair Campbell called the meeting to order at 12:12 p.m. GENERAL DISCUSSION Minutes from the September meeting were reviewed by members. It was moved and seconded (Rounds/Black) to approve the September minutes, with the motion passing unanimously. RMNP TRANSPORTATION INITIATIVE Two representatives from Rocky Mountain National Park attended to present current transportation information to the committee. Larry Gamble is RMNP’s Chief of Planning and Compliance and John Hannah serves as Management Specialist – Business Programs. Both were technical advisors on the Transportation Visioning Committee and helped to develop the TVC final report. The presentation covered a variety of topics including updates on RMNP’s transportation planning; a future redevelopment of the Fall River entrance; visitor numbers, destinations, and time spent in RMNP/Estes Park area; road systems and construction; shuttle system operations and numbers, as well as future updates to the shuttle system infrastructure. RMNP is in the planning process of a multi-use hike and bike trail on the abandoned section of Bear Lake Road, and expressed an interest in eventually tying into the Town/EVRPD trail system. Transportation goals included protecting park resources and maintaining positive visitor experiences by managing visits through diversified days and time of day. The FLAP project is in line with the parks’ goal of reducing visitor stress and frustration prior to reaching the park entrance. The park is also in favor of the TAC’s increased signage initiative directing traffic to multiple park entrances, as well as additional signage on Hwy 7 and Marys Lake Road, which will help traffic bypass downtown altogether. DOWNTOWN PARKING Discussion was continued on the best method of planning for maximum efficiency of the new Transit Hub at the Visitor Center. Ideas included reduced parking capacity in the downtown corridor through removal of smaller parking lots and the introduction of paid parking. Identifying the true long-term goal of this initiative is important to its success. Transportation Advisory Committee – October 15th, 2014 – Page 2 TAC TASK PRIORITIES After researching the purpose of Town committees, committee policies and areas the Town needs input from the TAC, Director Muhonen compiled a memo identifying six transportation-related projects needing development and input during the next year. The TAC’s current role is limited to advising the Town Board, but the majority of members would prefer to be categorized as a content/advice-giving committee. Along with this change, the name of the committee will be changed to the Transportation Advisory Board. Chair Campbell will work with staff on a re-write of the bylaws in conjunction with this initiative, with discussion and comments to take place at the November meeting. Chair Campbell requested improved communication from staff and trustees in desired topics for advice from the TAC. Staff will communicate areas of need and funnel these into a plan of action for the committee, leading to optimal use of monthly meeting time. Director Muhonen will help the committee prioritize topics of discussion and tasks, using use this to schedule agendas and plan out committee timelines and meetings well into the future. With no other business to discuss, Chair Campbell adjourned the meeting at 2:07 p.m.