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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPACKET Transportation Advisory Board 2020-1-17Carlie Bangs, Town Board Trustee Liaison Greg Muhonen, Estes Park Public Works Staff Liaison Transportation Advisory Board Agenda January 15, 2020 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) Scott Moulton (03/31/22) Belle Morris (03/31/20) Gordon Slack (03/31/21) Tom Street (03/31/22) Linda Hanick (03/31/22) Janice Crow (3/31/21) 12:00 – 12:05 Public Comment - Citizen Letter to TAB 12:05 – 12:10 Approval of December Meeting Minutes 12:10 – 12:20 Officer Elections 12:20 – 12:50 Member Expectations - TAB Job Description - TAB Bylaws 12:50 – 1:10 Riverwalk Access to Bicycles 1:10 – 1:25 TAB Priority Matrix 1:25 – 1:35 Project Updates 1:35 – 1:45 Project Updates 1:45 – 1:55 Project Updates 1:55 – 2:00 Other Business Adjourn Chair Belle Morris Chair Belle Morris Chair Belle Morris Co-Chair Tom Street Chair Belle Morris Public Works Director Greg Muhonen Engineering Manager David Hook Parking & Transit Manager Vanessa Solesbee 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, December 18th, 2019 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 18th day of December, 2019. Present: Belle Morris Gordon Slack Stan Black Tom Street Ron Wilcocks Scott Moulton Janice Crow Linda Hanick Also Present: Trustee Carlie Bangs, Town Board Liaison Vanessa Solesbee, Parking & Transit Manager David Hook, Engineering Manager Elias Wilson, Public Works Admin. Assistant Greg Muhonen, Public Work Director Jennifer Waters, Public Works Engineer Katrina Kloberdanz, CDOT James Usher, CDOT SHUTTLE COMMITTEE Tom Moore Julie Pieper Eric Lund Brooke Lloyd Absent: Ann Finley Chair Morris called the meeting to order at 12:05 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENT: No public comment. Chair Morris introduced the visiting Shuttle Committee members. Director Muhonen spoke to the importance of volunteers and thanked the Shuttle Committee and TAB for their input, hard work, effectiveness, and important impact on policy decisions. He shared his appreciation of the different member aspects that make up the TAB as this often leads to impactful change. Muhonen also expressed his gratitude for CDOT’s support and recognized engineers James Usher and Katrina Kloberdanz for their contributions to the Estes Park community. Manager Solesbee thanked the TAB and Shuttle Committee for their hard work this year and emphasized her gratitude for their support in the implementation of the Downtown Parking Management Plan. Manager Hook thanked the TAB and Shuttle Committee for all of their work. Hook then introduced Jennifer Waters as the new Development Review Engineer and Flood Plain Manager for the Public Works Department. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A motion was made and seconded (Slack/Black) to approve the November meeting minutes and all were in favor. Transportation Advisory Board – December 18, 2019 – Page 2 US HWY 34 & MACGREGOR AVE ROUNDABOUT This project was identified in a plan several years ago and will take place at the intersection of US Hwy 34 and Macgregor Ave. There exists a strong crash pattern that could be corrected with the installation of a roundabout. During the lifecycle cost analysis, a four-way stop, a traffic signal, and a roundabout were considered, with the roundabout being found to be the most appropriate for this situation. The goal is to improve safety for all modes of transportation in this area. A meeting regarding the project scope was held in September of 2018 and a public open house was held in December of 2018. Final design plans were completed a couple weeks ago and will be released tomorrow. There will be a speed reduction to 25 mph within the roundabout. Utilizing a full road closure cuts the length of the project from six to three months. CDOT’s James Usher stated there are penalties if the project is not completed by Memorial Day and weekend work would only occur with an agreement from both CDOT and the Town. Director Muhonen stated that both CDOT and the Town of Estes Park will contribute to the project landscaping. The selected contractor will be responsible for submitting a formal detour plan and six message boards will be used to direct traffic. Member Moulton shared his concern about traveling on Big Horn Drive, stating Chapin may be a better option. He shared that Big Horn has been used but his concern is related to the blind corner. Muhonen stated that if all detour traffic is directed to Chapin there could be a potential traffic issue for those turning left whereas Big Horn provides a signal. CDOT welcomes input. Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacons (RRFB) and a marked crosswalk will be available at the new roundabout. Muhonen stated that modifying the crossing movement will be assisted by a pedestrian island which doesn’t currently exist. Chair Morris asked if there would be any other markings. CDOT stated white cross bars will be used but that no other colors could be used, however green paint could be put between the white lines. Member Hanick stated Bozeman, Montana is utilizing different colored lines. CDOT stated that not only have studies shown this is unsafe, but that FHWA does not allow this practice. There are experiments currently taking place with red paint being utilized for public transit. CDOT further shared that their experience with pedestrian compliance within roundabouts is good. Usher confirmed that once a contractor is selected, public involvement will be initiated. TOWN SITE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS (Community Development Director Randy Hunt) Chair Morris asked Hunt if there are ways to influence policy requiring private owners install crosswalks as part of their development. Hunt stated there’ve been discussions related to translating/incorporating the Complete Streets Policy concepts into the Estes Valley Development Codes. Hunt stated that from reading the existing code language it appears to be from the 1980s and 1990s and is mainly focused on vehicle traffic rather than mass transit and other modes of transportation. Hunt’s goal is to bring into the picture the fiscal realities. A balance must be achieved with the costs of developing in the Estes Valley. Many of the multimodal methods are more cost effective for current residents. An update to the Comprehensive Plan is needed as it is almost 24 years old. The contemporary multimodal thoughts aren’t incorporated. Hunt stated it would be ideal to have a valley-wide comprehensive plan which, as is typical practice, results in development code updates. The Complete Streets policy gives us what is needed to help with redevelopment projects. Section 7.12 of the development code is the Public Facilities section dealing with transportation. In the future Hunt would like to end up with a more thorough section. Hunt stated that he would gladly come back and discuss. There is a proposal to have a Transportation Master Plan (TMP) that Hunt would like to review. The key thing the TMP would do is identify priority areas. Transportation Advisory Board – December 18, 2019 – Page 3 The Town is at the cusp of dealing with redevelopment of properties that are past maturity which require rehabilitation. There is no mention in the existing code requiring redevelopments incorporate newly implemented infrastructure requirements. Member Slack shared his concern about another discussion related to bicycles on the Town’s Riverwalk and the knowledge of the property owner views in the area. Hunt stated that a multimodal corridor would be great but existing code doesn’t make it easy to require. Manager Hook stated that bicycle facilities were incorporated at the river level during the Moraine Avenue Bridge project. Wilcocks said that we can’t get to this type of work until the river flooding from Riverside Dr. to US Hwy 36 is corrected. He stated this work should be considered by the Town as critical to our transportation needs. Hunt stated the Downtown Plan has general guidelines dealing with this but has not yet been included in the code language. Wilcocks stated that it has been seven years since the flood and it continues to prevent many projects in the downtown area. Co-Chair Street shared that most cities have an issue with requiring more parking for developments. If more parking is being required than necessary it creates less space. Street asked if the parking standards will be reviewed. Hunt stated that the commercial and retail requirements are not applicable today. Hunt stated that the Town needs to have an integrated concept of how to get from the front door of a building to a certain location. Redesign of parking lots will be a piece of this as well. Muhonen stated that site development standards are private, and that street standards are what defines what needs to be done in the public right of way. Hunt said the ability of doing a private improvement that meets these needs are the goal. PROJECT UPDATES (Parking & Transit Manager Vanessa Solesbee) Seasonal Paid Parking An RFP was issued for a Parking Management Firm to implement paid parking. There was quick turnaround time for bid submissions. Five proposals were received and the top three firms, as identified by the selection committee, will be interviewed tomorrow. Solesbee is very pleased with the proposals and resumes received. 2020 Shuttle Program Update The Town has been working to complete the action items from CDOT. All is on track to receive the electric trolley in the next couple weeks. By 2021, the Town should be in possession of the second trolley. Solesbee shared that the charging station for the electric trolley will be located on Elm Road on existing Town property. Solesbee is working with the Power & Communications Division to determine the best times to charge the trolley. The Town will continue to pursue funding for a second charging station, stop signage, benches, reconfiguration of the Visitor Center parking lot, and access gates for the parking structure. Solesbee credited the Shuttle Committee for their work in helping to determine 2020 routes. Visit Estes Park (VEP) has been helpful in identifying where people are going within Estes Park. Solesbee wants to ensure fiscal responsibility in shuttle operations. Member Wilcocks stated that an HOA is requesting information on what a parking spot is worth. Muhonen said $30,000 is the one-time cost to build a parking spot in a lot. Wilcocks shared that there are HOAs who would like the Town to buy their parking lots (i.e. Kind Coffee, etc.) and asked about permitting. Solesbee said that when a Parking Management Firm is brought on board, decisions will begin to be made. PROJECT UPDATES (Public Works Director Greg Muhonen) The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) will present the Downtown Estes Loop updates at the January 14, 2020 study session. Muhonen shared with the group that he went through his files and found a TAB job description. He spoke with the Town Clerk’s office and they felt it would be very Transportation Advisory Board – December 18, 2019 – Page 4 beneficial. The document has been sent to Chair Morris and TAB discussion will occur at the regularly scheduled January meeting. PROJECT UPDATES (Engineering Manager David Hook) Manager Hook stated that the US Hwy 34 & Steamer Drive signal is still in the design phase. The Wildfire development project has the construction plans submitted and roadway improvements are part of the development. Two grants have been awarded for the Fall River Trail project. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2020 from east of Fish Hatchery Road to Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). An RFP will be issued in January with a construction timeframe yet to be determined. The Downtown Wayfinding is being resurrected and will be focused on making paid parking successful. An RFP will soon be published to finish the plan that was started. Construction plans will be developed to utilize the allocated funding. The next version of the plan will be brought to the TAB in January or February. Member Slack asked about the upcoming development project on CO Hwy 7. Hook stated the land use approval is done but construction plans have not been received. Director Hunt shared that the developer does one project at a time and, hopefully, construction plans will come in soon. OTHER BUSINESS With no other business to discuss, Chair Morri s adjourned the meeting at 1:48 p.m. Recording Secretary Elias Wilson, Public Works Department SOLITUDE CABINS 1885 SKETCH BOX LANE UNIT 7 ESTES PARK, CO 80517 Phone (970) 577-7777 Toll Free (877) 704-7777 Fax (970) 577-0381 November 22, 2019 TO: Transportation Advisory Board We are writing to respectfully request that the Shuttle Pickup Stop at Solitude Cabins be reinstated for the upcoming year. We understand that it was discontinued for the summer of 2019 due to the extensive construction occurring on Brodie Avenue; which is now completed. This past season we did receive a number of comments from guests expressing disappointment and frustration with the lack of Shuttle Service. This not only has a negative impact on the Town services, but on Solitude Cabins’ guest services as well. Additionally, it is our opinion that the so-called “tracking” of ridership did not accurately reflect the ridership that actually occurred from Solitude Cabins. Our business resides within the taxing district of the Town of Estes Park; and we feel we should be able to offer our guest the same services our tax dollars pay for as any of our local competitors. Thank you in advance for your careful and fair consideration. Respectfully submitted SOLITUDE MANAGEMENT CO. INC Katherine M. Kochevar Vice-President Revised: December 23, 2019 TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY BOARD JOB DESCRIPTION GENERAL: The Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) consists of nine volunteer members who serve staggered three-year terms. All members are appointed by the Town of Estes Park Board of Trustees. AUTHORITY: The Transportation Advisory Board was established by the Board of Trustees in 2013 and will serve in an advisory capacity to the Town Board, making recommendations on transportation issues and concerns, but without authority to make final decisions. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The board members shall perform the duties, responsibilities and obligations set forth in the TAB Bylaws. The essential functions of the Transportation Advisory Board are: 1. Support comprehensive transportation planning that enhances the quality of life for the citizens, businesses and visitors to the Town of Estes Park. 2. Support the continued safety and maintenance of the Town of Estes Park Transportation System and to review and recommend transportation related capital projects to implement the Board of Trustees’ transportation goals. 3. Act as a sounding board to the Board of Trustees and the Town department of Public Works on transportation planning, construction and maintenance issues including: roads, transit, trails, pedestrian access, parking and air quality. 4. Support the Town Board and staff in local and regional transportation planning and promote cooperative efforts to resolve transportation issues in the Estes Valley. DUTIES: 1. Be prepared for, attend, and participate in Transportation Advisory Board meetings, including work sessions. 2. Conduct site visits to view transportation issues, concerns and projects. 3. Have an awareness of, and willingness to understand, community values, the role of local government, and the social and economic characteristics of the Estes Valley. 4. Provide open public processes that respect due process for all stakeholders. 5. Represent and serve the Town of Estes Park Board of Trustees, Public Works Department staff, residents, and visitors in a collaborative and unifying manner. 6. Honor the established Transportation Advisory Board Meeting Code of Conduct. Revised: December 23, 2019 ADDITIONAL DUTIES: 1. May serve as chair or vice-chair and fulfill roles described in the Transportation Advisory Board bylaws. 2. May serve on sub-board for Transportation Advisory Board assignments. 3. May attend other public meetings as deemed necessary. SKILLS AND ABILITIES: There are no minimum skills and abilities that an applicant must have to be appointed as a Transportation Advisory Board member; however, the following list has been identified as those skills and abilities that make a quality Advisory Board member. 1. Open mindedness, respect, and patience. 2. Willingness to listen and learn. 3. Ability to think in abstract terms. 4. Willingness to contribute, e.g., to speak accurately and constructively regarding TAB topics in a public forum. 5. Ability to compromise and work within a team framework. 6. Ability to balance private benefit with public good. 7. Ability to consider and articulate facts related to a specific transportation issue and the effect on the surrounding area and community as a whole. 8. The ability to sustain harmonious working relationships with other Transportation Advisory Board members, the Town Board, residents, and the public. RESIDENCY: All appointees of the TAB shall be residents of the Estes Valley Planning District at the time of application and during their entire term. RESTRICTIONS: No member of the Town Board of Trustees may also serve as a member of the Transportation Advisory Board. The Town Board may appoint a Trustee to serve as a non-voting liaison between the Town Board and the TAB. TERM: With the exception of the initial term, each member shall serve a three-year term. MINIMUM TIME REQUIREMENTS: Regular attendance by the members of the Board is expected. Revised: December 23, 2019 WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL AND MENTAL EFFORT: This position primarily conducts business indoors (95%) completing tasks such as reading and reviewing information and participating in public meetings. This position requires a lengthy attention span and involves sitting (95%), walking and standing (5%). Site visits can involve inclement weather conditions. I understand the description of this position, including the essential functions. Signature: Printed Name: Date: Revised January 2020 Town of Estes Park Transportation Advisory Board BY-LAWS I. ROLE The mission of the Town of Estes Park Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) is to advise the Town Board of Trustees and the Public Works staff on: A. Local and Regional Comprehensive Transportation Planning Policies that protect air quality, diminish congestion, and enhance the safety and quality of life for the citizens, businesses, and visitors to the Estes Valley, including but not limited to pedestrian, bicycle, automobile, and transit modes. B. Maintenance, Operation, and Expansion Programs for all modes of the Town’s transportation system. C. Transportation Capital Projects to insure the Town’s transportation goals and policies for roads, trails, parking, signage, and transit are implemented. In addition to these bylaws, the Transportation Advisory Board operates under the terms of the Town of Estes Park operating policy 102 – Town Committees, the TAB Job Description, and the TAB Meeting Code of Conduct. A copy of these procedure, along with these bylaws, shall be provided to each member at the time of their appointment. II. MEETINGS A. Regular Meetings shall be held at least one time per month, with additional meetings scheduled as needed. Any item on the agenda which cannot be heard and considered by the conclusion of the meeting may be continued until and heard at the next regularly scheduled meeting or a specially scheduled meeting and shall have priority over any other matters to be heard and considered. B. Special Meetings may be held at any time upon call by the Chairperson. The Chairperson shall call a special meeting upon request by the Town Board, Town Administrator, or Director of Public Works, or upon request by three of the members of the Board. C. Cancellation of Meetings Regularly scheduled meetings of the Transportation Advisory Board may be canceled or rescheduled upon approval by two-thirds of the members of the Board. D. Meeting Procedures for matters requiring action by the Committee, parliamentary procedure shall be followed in moving, discussion, and acting on such matters. E. Open Meetings All meetings and action of the Committee shall be in full compliance with State Statutes governing open meetings, as amended and incorporated herein by reference. It is the responsibility of the Staff Liaison to be familiar with these statutes and regulations. F. Attendance by Non-members Meetings may be attended by persons who are not members of the Transportation Advisory Board. At the discretion of the Chairperson, nonmembers may be Revised January 2020 allowed to speak at meetings. However, in no event shall nonmembers be allowed to vote on matters for which a vote is required. III. MEMBERS AND QUORUM A. Membership. The Board shall consist of nine (9) members. Members must be residents of the Estes Valley Planning District and meet the requirements of the TAB Job Description. B. Terms. Members shall be appointed to a 3 year term. The terms of the members shall be staggered so that the terms of an equal number of the members expire each year on March 31st. C. Vacancies. Vacant positions shall be filled by appointment by the Town Board for the unexpired portion of the term of the position to be filled. D. Recommendations for Appointment. Upon request by the Town Board, the Transportation Advisory Board shall make recommendations to the Town Board for Transportation Advisory Board appointments. E. Quorum. A quorum of the Board shall consist of 2/3 of the members of the Board being present at the meeting. F. Action. Action by the Board shall be by majority vote of the members attending any regular or special meeting at which a quorum is present, unless otherwise provided in these by- laws. IV. OFFICERS A. Officers. The Board officers shall include a Chairperson and a Vice Chairperson as selected by the Board. B. Elections. Officers shall be elected by the members annually at the first regularly scheduled meeting of each year. Officers shall be members of the Board. Notification of who is elected Chair will be sent to the Town Clerk. C. Chairperson Responsibilities: 1. Preside at all meetings 2. Insure that all meetings are conducted with decorum and efficiency 3. Call special meetings in accordance with the By-laws 4. Sign any documents prepared by the Transportation Advisory Board for submission to the Town Board or Town Departments 5. See that decisions of the Board are implemented 6. Represent the Board in dealings with the Town Board or other organizations. 7. The Chairperson has the same right as any other member of the Board to vote on matters before the Board and to speak for or against proposals, provided, however, that if the Chairperson desires to speak for or against a proposal which has been formally moved and seconded at a public meeting, the Chairperson shall relinquish the chair to the Vice- Chairperson while he or she is speaking. Revised January 2020 D. Vice-Chairperson Responsibilities: 1. Assist the Chairperson as requested, 2. Accept and undertake duties delegated by the Chairperson, 3. Preside over meetings or perform other duties of the Chairperson in the event the Chairperson is absent or unable to act. E. Other Position Responsibilities: None. F. Removal from Office. Any officer may be removed from office by a majority vote of the members of the Transportation Advisory Board in attendance at a meeting provided that at least thirty days notice has been given to all members that removal of the officer will be considered at such meeting. G. Officer Vacancies. If any office is vacant, the members of the Transportation Advisory Board shall elect a member to fill the office for the remainder of the year. V. ATTENDANCE Regular attendance by the members of the Board is expected. In the event any member misses three (3) consecutive regular meetings or a total of four (4) regular meetings in a calendar year, the Town Board may remove its appointed member for neglect of duty and designate a new member to fill the vacancy. VI. GENERAL PROVISIONS These by-laws may be amended at any regular or special meeting of the Transportation Advisory Board by a majority of the membership of the Board provided that notice of such possible amendments is given to all members at least 20 days prior to the meeting at which action is to be taken. Any amendments shall be subject to review and approval by the Town Board. VII. COMPLIANCE WITH TOWN POLICIES A. The Board shall operate in compliance with the adopted Town Board policy on Town Boards, Policy 102 as amended. The terms of this policy are incorporated in these Bylaws by this reference and are attached herewith. B. Volunteer members of the TAB will act in accordance with the adopted TAB Job Description and the TAB Meeting Code of Conduct. C. Failure to comply with the TAB job description or other applicable Town policies may be grounds for an official reprimand by the TAB and/or a recommendation to the Town Board for removal from the TAB. VIII. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: A. A conflict of interest occurs when a person’s private, personal relationships or interests diverge so that an independent observer may reasonably question whether the person’s actions or decisions are determined by personal benefit, gain, or advantage. B. Members of Boards shall not use their membership for private gain, and shall act impartially and not give preferential treatment to any private organization or individual. Revised January 2020 C. A member of any Board who has a personal or private financial interest in a matter proposed or pending shall disclose such interest to the Board; shall not vote on the item; and shall not attempt to influence the decisions of other members voting on the matter. Adopted this ___ day of _______ ESTES PARK BOARD OF TRUSTEES By: ________________ Mayor December 23, 2019 Transportation Advisory Board Meeting Code of Conduct 1. Start and end the meeting on time. 2. Silence all cell phones and disregard phone interruptions. 3. Each person should participate with constructive input to help the Public Works staff craft a balanced product with the goal of understanding all perspectives and experiences. 4. Do not interrupt while others are speaking. Respectfully listen to the perspectives of others with the intent of understanding instead of listening only to formulate a counterpoint. 5. Keep the tone safe, neutral, and respectful at all times. 6. Be respectful of time constraints and other’s rights to share. Consider a time limit on comments if needed to achieve a balanced conversation. 7. No side conversations. 8. Stay on track and avoid repeating points that have already been made. 9. Confirm clear group consensus. Vote when necessary. Respectful dissent is valued. Support of the legitimacy of the majority decision is expected. 10. Respect and defer to the role of the elected Chair to guide the meeting and oversee the input collection process.