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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPACKET Transportation Advisory Board 2018-10-17Carlie Bangs, Town Board Trustee Liaison Greg Muhonen, Estes Park Public Works Staff Liaison Transportation Advisory Board Agenda October 17, 2018 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM Room 202 & 203 Estes Park Town Hall 170 MacGregor Ave Current Members: Stan Black (03/31/20) Ron Wilcocks (03/31/21) Ann Finley (03/31/20) Amy Hamrick (03/31/19) Belle Morris (03/31/20) Gordon Slack (03/31/21) Tom Street (03/31/19) Linda Hanick (03/31/19) Janice Crow (3/31/21) Public Comment Approval of September Meeting Minutes Complete Streets Policy Amendment Addition to Checklist E-Bike Policy Review Update Shuttle Updates Project Updates Project Updates Other Business Adjourn Chair Belle Morris Chair Belle Morris Co-Chair Tom Street Chair Belle Morris Transit Program Manager Brian Wells Public Works Director Greg Muhonen Engineering Manager David Hook The mission of the Town of Estes Park Transportation Advisory Board is to advise the Board of Trustees and the Public Works staff on Local and Regional Comprehensive Transportation Planning Policies; Maintenance, Operation and Expansion Programs; and Transportation Capital Projects. Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, September 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 203 of Town Hall on the 19 th day of September, 2018. Present: Gordon Slack Tom Street Belle Morris Stan Black Ann Finley Amy Hamrick Janice Crow Ron Wilcocks Linda Hanick Also Present: Trustee Carlie Bangs, Town Board Liaison Greg Muhonen, Public Works Director David Hook, Engineering Manager Bunny Victoria Beers, Recording Secretary Absent: None. Chair Morris called the meeting to order at 12:04 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENT: Mike Malloy, a citizen, provided feedback on the operation and classification of e -bikes. He stated the primary difference between a Class 1 and 2 e-bike is the throttle assist option which is available for the Class 2 e-bikes. He encouraged the TAB to consider e- bikes on trails as a benefit to citizens and visitors. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A motion was made and seconded (Street/Crow) to approve the August meeting minutes with minor edits and all were in favor. COMPLETE STREET POLICY DRAFT: Chair Morris stated the updated draft policy would be distributed to the TAB including a cover letter to the Town Board of Trustees. TAB comments ensued regarding the importance of keeping the information in the policy concise and add ing “grade separated crossings” language in the safe crossings for pedestrians section of the policy. A motion was made and seconded (Wilcocks/Black) to approve the Com plete Streets Policy draft with recommended changes and the motion passed with Slack abstaining due to the fact he did not receive the most recently updated draft with adequate time for review. Chair Morris presented a report by the League of American Bic yclists on the Building Blocks of a Bicycle Friendly Community. The program collected data on community efforts to improve bicycling and available resources. The Board discussed Amendment 110 – Transportation Funding which would increase taxes for transportation funds. Director Muhonen stated the funds would be allocated as a proration to agencies based on street mileage. The Board was in agreement to direct Trustee Liaison Bangs to present the TAB support of Amendment 110 to the Board of Trustees and requested staff investigate the benefits of recommending Town Board support through a resolution. WAYFINDING PROGRAM: Manager Hook reviewed the schedule for the Wayfinding Program which included a news release and posting of final documents to the project webpage which would Transportation Advisory Board – September 19, 2018 – Page 2 then be taken to the public for comment at the October 11, 2018 public meeting. A final draft of the plan and related graphics would be presented to the Board of Trustees at the December 11, 2018 study session. He requested guidance on sign locations, labels, and architecture. Director Muhonen provided parking wayfinding sign options which have been provided as options for the Downtown Estes Loop project. Discussion ensued and has been summarized: size; materials used; the benefit in including “nearest” or “more” in reference to shopping and parking; removing “George Hix Memorial Park” and leaving “Riverside Plaza” to avoid confusion; adding the words “Estes Park” in front of “Visitor Center” to avoid confusion with the National Park Visitor Center; the benefits of removing park names and stating “public park” with the name of the park appearing on the kiosk only; the use of brown on street signs which is commonly used as recreation directions and potentially merging multiple concepts together for a unique and easy to reference sign. The Board requested the type of material used, cost and feedback be presented during public outreach. E-BIKE POLICY REVIEW UPDATE: Motorized vehicles are currently prohibited on trails. Public interest in e -bikes and scooters has increased across the nation. The majority of purchased e -bikes are Class 2 with throttle assist. Director Muhonen stressed the importance of addressing the use of scooters and e-bikes in the same ordinance. Concerns were voiced regarding scooters which are used in other municipalities as a use for entertainment versus travel and can potentially become a nuisance when they are discarded in spaces which are not designated for scooters. A motion was recommended (Street/Hanick) to amend the previous resolution on e-bikes to include Class 1 and 2 limited to a 20mph threshold, and to permit e-scooters limited to 15mph and the motion passed with Black voting no. GRANT APPLICATIONS: Continued to the October 17, 2018 meeting. 2019 BUDGET: Continued to the October 17, 2018 meeting. SHUTTLE UPDATES: Manager Wells stated drop-in stops outside of Town limits would be discussed September 20, 2018 in the Visitor Center meeting room, then presented to the Town Board at the November 13, 2018 Town Board Study Session meeting. Additionally, he requested an Estes Park Transit discussion at the regular TAB meeting scheduled for October 17, 2018. OTHER BUSINESS Director Muhonen stated the Complete Streets Policy, E-bike Policy and a presentation on the Parking Utilization Study would be presented at the November 27, 2018 Town Board study session meeting. With no other business to discuss, Chair Morris adjourned the meeting at 2:04 p.m. Bunny Victoria Beers Recording Secretary 1 First Draft- TAB Overview: “Complete Streets” are a network of streets that are designed for every user, and especially for the most vulnerable. A community that has ‘Complete Streets’ (CS) ultimately provides all community members safe and comfortable mobile options to access destinations such as schools, downtown businesses, neighborhoods and recreation areas without solely relying on an automobile. A Complete Street is designed for the entire community user. Community members at any age, ability, income or skill level would be able to move independently within a connected transportation network of sidewalks, bike paths, and shuttle services. Currently, most communities throughout the US have implemented traditional street designs that emphasize the quickest routes for automobiles with little thought toward different methods of transportation or impact of design. Traditionally, US roadways have been designed thru the lens of a car, which has lead to auto-centric communities that become congested, not enjoyable to walk or visit, doesn’t consider all road user needs, ignores inequities, makes business districts difficult to access, and economic opportunities for recreation inhibited. The Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) continues to advocate towards inclusion of multi-modal transportation to relieve traffic congestion, increase safe transportation options, address inequities, and encourage a healthy lifestyle for our community. We recommend the Town adopt a Complete Streets policy, which will be used thru Public Works traffic designs, planning, employee training and implementation. Once implemented, we recommend review and maintenance of all roadways meet Complete Streets guidelines. We take into consideration not all streets can meet a check-list of recommendations, but a policy would provide guidance to planners to actively pursue options. Estes Park is a rural community that will need to consider limitations in resources. Following a Complete Street process will provide cost savings as well as increase options for community members to choose for transportation. 2 Characteristics: Rural Community Challenges There are common elements in many US rural communities when looking at transportation design. Complete Streets policy for Estes Park will need to consider these common constraints:  Highway as Main Street. A State highway may prioritize thru traffic over local access to downtown. Changing road design may be constrained. Becoming less automobile centric will require policy that communicates what the local community desires and prioritizes as important.  Difficult terrain. Rural settings often have physical constrains that make provisions of cost-effective facilities for bicycling and walking difficult. Travel to downtown, schools or recreation facility destinations require more mileage to cover compared to urban communities. Complete street projects will need to be implemented in small increments, for ease in funding.  Poor health. Rural communities have older adults that require attention to safe mobile options. Wide sidewalks that connect to destinations are often overlooked in traditional road designs. Overall better infrastructure will encourage active living and community connections for sometimes-isolated residents. Reduction in driving longer distances will reduce emissions if transportation alternatives are provided.  Maintenance. Winter maintenance is a significant cost in most small, rural communities. A Complete Street policy will need to factor in the special equipment or personnel to maintain certain active transportation facilities.  Safety. Speed levels are often high due to straight-line designs and longer distances to travel to reach destinations. Pedestrian Crossings are often not defined, not easily visible, and at times difficult to warrant based on low existing use. Providing safe crossings and road texture/shape designs can slow traffic down and increase Pedestrian visibility. 3  Economic- Roads are less attractive and encourage sprawl when designed only for automobiles. Policy Benefiting:  Safety Capacity. An Estes Park Complete Street would provide safe and comfortable transportation options for all ages and abilities. An 8 year old would be able to independently travel across the entire valley to school or an 80-year-old would comfortably access the Community Center. The design user by providing slow speed limits, effective cross-walks, a connected system of wide sidewalks, detached bike paths, barrier separation between bike lanes and automobile lanes, frequent shuttles that reach the entire Estes valley and neighborhood arteries.  Connectivity. A complete street design acknowledges the need of getting from one end of town to the other, using multi-modal connectivity. o There are many opportunities having complete streets: less reliance on a car; reduction of traffic congestion; enjoyment of using connective trails and sidewalks; ability to access destinations throughout the community; appreciate the surrounding outdoors, encourage fitness and wellness; and provide affordable mobility options. o Bike access to transportation  Wellness. Complete streets offer safe recreation for community members as well as visitors. Walking and touring the Estes Park valley via bicycle offers a unique experience that you cannot access through a car. Being able to hear the Big Thompson River, smell the Ponderosa Pine trees & flower gardens, see the surrounding Continental Divide and being provided the opportunity to make contact with someone of the street creates a positive experience. A resident or visitor will feel connected to our unique place as well as improve their fitness level. 4  Equity. Affordable housing often includes the need for easy access to the work place. Seasonal employees, diverse work shifts, and visitors without cars are users that need to be considered. A Complete Street would address the various inequities (economic, physical mobility needs, age) and offer solutions across the community. Estes Park has a diverse age population, but has focused on automobile users.  Economic development and recreation asset. Bicycle tourism is a growing industry, which Estes Park is already taping into. Local lodging is already providing bikes to rent for their guests. Local businesses are providing bikes for their seasonal employees to rely on for transportation to work.  Funding outside the community. State grant applications favor communities that have documentation that supports Complete Streets. Safe Routes to Schools list on CDOT website A Complete Street policy expresses a commitment by a municipality, and it’s transportation planners, to understand and meet the actual needs of every community member, however they travel - by foot, bicycle, scooter, skateboard, shuttle or automobile.  A policy would ensure implementation of safer multi-modal transportation options, for those 8 to 80-years-old. Complete Streets policy would offer guidelines for transportation planning, designs, operations and funding decisions to reasonably accommodate convenient and safe access for all transportation users. This means that every transportation project will make the street network better and safer for drivers, transit users, pedestrians, and bicyclists. A child in route to school or elder crossing the street on Highway 7 would have a safe experiences.  A policy would save time and money for transportation projects. Transportation planners and designers will know what the community wants, which will eliminate the need for alternatives outside of policy guidelines. Cost reductions will further result due to less retrofitting and poor decisions. 5  An Estes Park policy would provide a clear demonstration to other jurisdictions how our community wants streets designed for safe multi-modal purposes. Colorado Department of Transportation would have an understanding of what the community desires in street design and how to benefit all users.  Finally, opportunities for new funding will likely occur with a consistent acknowledgement of community needs. Funding projects that gradually create a network of streets and pathways that serve all users. Estes Park Complete Street Policy The intent of the Town Board adopting a Complete Street policy is to encourage active living lifestyles, wellness, reduce traffic congestion, reduce noise and air pollution, improve the safety and quality of life for Estes Park residents and visitors, as well as provide comprehensive, safe, convenient, and comfortable routes for walking, bicycling, and public transportation.  A Complete Street policy would align with the Downtown Plan and enhance its implementation.  Provide direction and guidance for Shuttles  As a rural community, Estes Park will need to partner with local and regional stakeholders. Lack of access to funding and staff capacity presents challenges to smaller communities. Building relationships with bicycle and pedestrian advocacy groups, along with regional planning authorities, can open up opportunities for grant funding and technical assistance. The Estes Park Cycling Coalition is an active advocacy group, which has made steps towards alternative transportation.  Estes Park aligns with national characteristics & challenges to rural communities. Safe traveling and encouragement of active living is a desired outcome for rural CS. o Rural communities like Estes Park have issues with longer trip distances (shopping along the Front Range or commuting to work –east & west bound). Often travels are getting longer with growth. 6 o Health disparities in Estes Park, compared to urban areas, have higher rate of physical inactivity and chronic disease which influences motivation to use alternative transportation. o Higher crash rates in rural areas o Income disparities are significant in Estes Park. Colorado & National Complete Streets Currently there are over 1325 agencies at the local, regional, and state levels have adopted Complete Streets policies, totaling more than 1400 policies nationwide Federal policy https://smartgrowthamerica.org/app/uploads/2017/12/CS-Policy- Elements__2017.11.30.pdf State of Colorado policy. Adopted in 2009 as an initiative. It includes…. Communities in Colorado. Fort Collins, Boulder, Colorado Springs …. Community Stakeholders and Opportunities: The Estes Park Cycling Coalition applied to the League of American Bicyclists ranking program, which evaluated Estes Park as a bike friendly community. The League of American Bicyclists uses a metric to evaluate communities across the US and Estes Park resulted in an “Honorable Mention” (lowest) score for being a “Bike Friendly” community. The Report Card for Estes Park, features key recommendations, statistics, and category scores. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPrLf_B1cEA&feature=share See attachment. 7 Safe Routes to School The Safe Routes to School Grant application has listed Complete Streets as an added “extra credit” when being selected. https://www.codot.gov/programs/bikeped/safe-routes/assets/fiscal- year-2017-documents/fy-2017-18-srts-infrastructure-projects- guidelines-and-application-ver-072817.pdf Summary: The Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) shares a vision for Estes Park to be friendly and safe to all users of a multi-modal transportation system. Providing a Complete Streets policy will provide direction in all future decision-making. References: Smart Growth America, Complete Streets: https://smartgrowthamerica.org/program/national-complete-streets- coalition/publications/what-are-complete-streets/ The League of American Bicyclists: https://bikeleague.org/content/ranking Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan: https://www.codot.gov/programs/colorado-transportation- matters/documents/statewide-bicycle-and-pedestrian-plan.pdf CDOT Multi-Modal Planning Branch- complete streets https://www.codot.gov/programs/planning/planning-programs US Department of Transportation, Complete Streets https://www.transportation.gov/mission/health/complete-streets- policies Small Town and Rural community multi-modal network assistance https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bicycle_pedestrian/publicatio ns/small_towns/fhwahep17024_lg.pdf