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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Transportation Advisory Board 12-19-18 Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, December 19, 2018 Minutes of a regular meeting of the Transportation Advisory Board of the Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado. Meeting held in the Room 202 of Town Hall on the 19th day of December, 2018. Present: Gordon Slack Tom Street Belle Morris Stan Black Ron Wilcocks Amy Hamrick Ann Finley Janice Crow Also Present: Trustee Carlie Bangs, Town Board Liaison Greg Muhonen, Public Works Director Vanessa Solesbee, Parking & Transit Manager Megan Van Hoozer, Public Works Administrative Assistant Absent: Linda Hanick Chair Morris called the meeting to order at 12:15 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENT: none APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A motion was made and seconded (Wilcocks/Slack) to approve the November meeting minutes and all were in favor. TRAIL MASTER PLAN: Chair Morris introduced the need for review and update of the Estes Valley Master Trails Plan (EVMTP). Morris stated the EVMTP lacks acknowledgement of specific connectivity of sidewalks and trails in areas of Estes Park. Morris requested TAB members consider the areas in which they reside and assess if connecting sidewalks or trails are needed. Morris suggested filling in the areas missed existing outside the downtown corridor. TAB will review and discuss possible updates for the EVMTP. PROJECT UPDATES (G. Muhonen – Public Works Administration) Muhonen reported that good questions and conversation as well as valuable public input was received at the Benefits of Roundabouts presentation to be given at the January 8, 2019 Town Board Study Session. Community members in attendance supported the roundabout proposed in 2020 for the intersection of US 34 (Wonderview Ave.) and MacGregor Ave. US 36 & Community Drive Intersection: Colorado Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) determined $720K would be obligated in 2019 for Colorado air quality improvements. CMAQ designated the full allocation to Larimer County. After meeting attendance and in- depth discussions, it was determined by the Upper Front Range Transportation Planning Region (UFRTPR) to grant all funds in 2019 to Estes Park for the US 36 & Community Drive roundabout. Due to the traffic volumes originally reported being low, it was determined that a two-lane westbound leg would be required over the designed one-lane. The design consultant is now working on this redesign. Muhonen is determining needed emissions statistics for the CMAQ funds. Additional design will occur as part of Phase 2 to incorporate two lanes all the way to Fourth Street. Downtown Estes Loop: The process of condemning three properties within the Loop area due to an impasse has now been completed. Although condemnation was not the ideal Transportation Advisory Board – December 19, 2018 – Page 2 course, property owners refused to engage with CDOT for property acquisition. Member Black asked if newly elected Town Board Trustees would have the ability to stop the Loop project. Muhonen stated that they would have that ability however they would also know that the Town would have to reimburse the federal government millions of dollars. PROJECT UPDATES (D. Hook – Engineering Manager) Complete Streets Policy: The draft policy still needs reviewed by Town Attorney White. Manager Hook will have something ready for the January 22, 2019 Town Board meeting. 2019 Street Improvement Program (STIP): A presentation will be made on the 2019 STIP program at the regularly scheduled January TAB meeting. It will be presented again at the February 12, 2019 Town Board meeting. Brodie Avenue Trail: The Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with CDOT has been fully executed. Working toward design completion and will progress on to the bidding process. Downtown Wayfinding: The report is still in development and will be shared at the regularly scheduled January TAB meeting. It will then go, as an action item, to the February 12, 2019 Town Board meeting. Moraine Avenue Bridge Replacement: The project is wrapping up and Public Works is working to close the construction contracts. Fall River Trail: The grant agreement with Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) has been fully executed. Once final details are complete preparations to solicit bids will begin. Work on cultural resources (historical clearance, etc.) is currently taking place. Digital Message Signs: This project is currently in the process of grant closeout. Hook also reported CDOT’s desire to proceed with an overlay project on the downtown portion of Elkhorn Avenue. All are hoping the project will be completed the summer of 2019. Member Slack asked if there was anything the TAB could do to stress the importance of this project. Muhonen stated that if the group feels strongly a letter could be sent to Corey Stewart. A motion was made and seconded (Slack/Black) to send a memo to Corey Stewart and all were in favor. PROJECT UPDATES (V. Solesbee – Parking & Transit) Manager Solesbee extended her appreciation to the TAB for feedback provided at the last meeting. It aided in preparing for the November 27, 2018 Town Board Study Session (TBSS) presentation. In summary, the Trustees encouraged proceeding in 2019 with real- time occupancy information, turnover data and technology solutions. In the Fall of 2019, the needed additional data will have been collected and reassessment of appropriate next steps can occur (i.e. paid parking warrant, land use, value of space, etc.). Solesbee asked the TAB if there would be interest in receiving more information on how other communities handle this process, and all were interested. Solesbee will revisit with the group in early 2019. Member Wilcocks would like to ensure that “85% occupancy” is better defined/modeled to accommodate seasonality. Statistics annually reflect enormously low utilization. Solesbee will share additional information with the TAB later today via email. Solesbee reported that she’s 30% through a walking tour of the downtown businesses. Her goal is to speak with all the businesses and record feedback received. The introductions and one-on-one meetings are going well. Transportation Advisory Board – December 19, 2018 – Page 3 Solesbee is working to f inalize part-time job descriptions for the new division. Different recruitment efforts are required since the required working season is longer than college students can offer in the summer. She asked that TAB members get the word out about these highly customer-oriented positions. Solesbee is also working with License Plate Recognition (LPR) vendors with help from Director Muhonen. While the Town cannot afford the absolute ideal LPR solution, Solesbee is working to find the best option for Estes Park. The process will start with five lots identified in the Downtown Parking Management Plan (DPMP). Moving forward, all lots will be included. On January 9, 2019 an LPR vendor will be coming up to give a presentation of what’s been tailored for Estes Park. Technology is anticipated to be tested and implemented in early May 2019. OTHER BUSINESS Muhonen expressed his pleasure and appreciation for all the TAB has initiated on behalf of the Town of Estes Park and of all members’ time and perspective. Trustee Liaison Bangs reminded the group the she is a vessel for transportation issues to be taken to the Town Board. Member Slack extended his appreciation to the Mayor for his work to get Elkhorn Avenue addressed. With no other business to discuss, Chair Morris adjourned the meeting at 1:52 p.m. Recording Secretary Megan Van Hoozer, Public Works Department