HomeMy WebLinkAboutPACKET Transportation Advisory Board 2020-2-19Carlie Bangs, Town Board Trustee Liaison
Greg Muhonen, Estes Park Public Works Staff Liaison
Transportation Advisory Board Agenda
February 19, 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 (03/31/21)
12:00 – 12:05 Public Comment
12:05 – 12:10 Approval of January Meeting Minutes
12:10 – 12:40 Member Expectations Discussion
12:40 – 1:10 TAB Priority Matrix Updates
1:10 – 1:30 Project Updates
1:30 – 1:50 Project Updates
1:50 – 2:00 Other Business
Adjourn
Chair Belle Morris
Chair Belle Morris
Chair Belle Morris
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, January 15, 2020
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 15th day of January, 2020.
Present: Belle Morris
Gordon Slack
Stan Black
Tom Street
Ron Wilcocks
Janice Crow
Linda Hanick
Ann Finley
Also Present: Trustee Carlie Bangs, Town Board Liaison
Vanessa Solesbee, Parking & Transit Manager
David Hook, Engineering Manager
Greg Muhonen, Public Work Director
Megan Van Hoozer, Public Works Administrative Assistant
John Hannon, Rocky Mountain National Park
Absent: Scott Moulton
Janice Crow
Chair Morris called the meeting to order at 12:01 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
No public in attendance.
Solesbee reported that the owner of solitude cabins contacted her and expressed her
interest in having the Silver Route resume 2018 routes. Solesbee recommended the
owner write a letter to the TAB. The 2018 Silver Route was considered low-ridership.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
A motion was made and seconded (Slack/Street) to approve the December meeting
minutes and all were in favor.
TAB OFFICER ELECTIONS
Chair Morris reminded the group that the January meeting entails TAB Officer elections.
Co-Chair Street indicated he would be glad to continue as Co-Chair but isn’t tied to it and
offered the opportunity for nominations. Chair Morris shared the same sentiment.
Member Black re-nominated Belle Morris as Chairperson and Tom Street as Co -Chair.
Member Slack seconded the nomination, and all were in favor. Officer elections will occur
again in January 2021.
TAB MEMBER EXPECTATIONS
Morris introduced the TAB Job Description (proposed), TAB By-laws and TAB Code of
Conduct to the members and requested all review the documentation individually and
bring feedback to the February 19, 2020 regularly scheduled TAB meeting.
Member Slack requested clarification on the reference to “3-yr term” in the TAB By-laws.
Slack asked that it state whether it is a sing le 3-year term, or multiple 3-year term
allowance, requesting consistency and clarity amongst the citizen advisory boards.
The ninth item in the Code of Conduct needs elaboration. Manager Solesbee will visit with
Town Administrator Machalek.
Transportation Advisory Board – January 20, 2020 – Page 2
Member Finley said the document needs to make it clear that each member supports team
decisions. Both Co-Chair Street and Member Wilcocks stressed the importance of gaining
clarity on sharing personal opinions representing self, versus time representing the TAB.
Clarification needs made regarding the appropriateness of a TAB member speaking in
front of the Town Board as a private citizen in disagreement with TAB decisions.
Morris stated that in order to maintain citizen trust, it is inappropriate for a TAB member to
create dissent for the TAB’s decision, provide false information or inaccuracies. It’s
important to clarify that what is being expressed is opinion.
RIVERWALK ACCESS TO BICYCLES
Co-Chair Street spoke to his motivation to find a way to bicycle down the Riverwalk path.
In the winter, he’s observed the area and has measured to determine potential conflicts
with pedestrians. During winter months there is minimal conflict.
Street recommends two types of sharing along that area. Sharrows are symbolic and, in
theory, say to motorists to “watch for bicycles” to avoid conflicts. Street stated this is still a
very dangerous approach and creates a false sense of security. He finds it ironic that a
30-lb bicycle is expected to share the road with a 5,000 lb. vehicle traveling down Elkhorn
Avenue.
Member Street made a motion to request a trial allowance of cyclists on the Riverwalk
from November 2020 through April 2021. Member Slack has visited the area and has
measured. Slack stated that it is neither smooth or straight and there are different
measurements depending where you are along the walk. Due to dog-walking and leashes,
children running and playing, and the tourist population it was determined appropriate to
continue to have riders dismount in the Riverwalk area. Wilcocks recommended the
Downtown Plan be referenced as this concern was address during its creation.
Additionally, private ownership along the Riverwalk may create a situation wherein a
portion of the Riverwalk may be closed due to backlash from the property owner(s).
Member Street withdrew his motion. He feels there should be more bicycle
accommodations in Town.
TAB PRIORITY MATRIX
Chair Morris discussed re-ranking the TAB Priority Matrix and add needed items to align
with Public Works goals and objectives for 2020. She began by suggesting the Safe
Routes to School (SRTS) grants and objectives be pursued and be ranked high in the
matrix.
Several recommended additions were discussed including: Moraine Avenue’s underpass
as outlined in the Downtown Plan; a CDOT study of US 34 for pedestrian crossing east of
existing crossing (Visitor Center to Stanley Village); doing more to achieve year-round
shuttle service; moving the RMNP Hiker Shuttle and Town Shuttle to the Events Complex
to alleviate Visitor Center parking lot congestion and traffic issues; the Comprehensive
Transportation Plan; and fast-charging stations for electric vehicles. Suggested additions
and individual rankings will be brought back to the regularly schedule February TAB
meeting for discussion.
PROJECT UPDATES (Public Works Director Greg Muhonen)
Director Muhonen informed the TAB that the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage
Development (BUILD) Transportation Discretionary Grant program plans to release a
call for projects sometime in February. Muhonen will collect feedback from the grantors
from the last application to develop lessons learned and improve the next application
made by the Town.
Muhonen updated the TAB on the Downtown Estes Loop discussion held at the recent
Town Board Study Session. It was communicated to the Town Board Trustees that
Central Federal Lands (CFL) would be requesting funding for the gap in federal funding
for the fiscal year. Lack of these funds would further delay the project, however would
not stop the project. Muhonen will continue to collaborate with CFL and CDOT on
updating the existing agreement for the project and on establishing a proposal for how
to come up with the funding needed to proceed through the fiscal year gap. CDOT is
Transportation Advisory Board – January 20, 2020 – Page 3
providing over $500K and the same is being requested of the Town.
Member Finley made a motion for the TAB put together a letter of support to the Town
Board encouraging the Town to provide the needed funding, emphasizing the benefits
of moving forward with the project. The motion was seconded by Wilcocks and all were
in favor.
PROJECT UPDATES (Engineering Manager David Hook)
Manager Hook was in attendance to provide high-level updates on the projects for
which he oversees:
- Alarado Project – Review of the development is currently under way.
- Elkhorn Lodge – The development submittal has been received realigning the
entrance with Filby Court and incorporating trail improvements. Review is under
way.
- US 36 & Community Drive Roundabout – The environmental and land use issues
have been addressed and design of the project is resuming.
- Wayfinding - The Town has hired a consultant to design the wayfinding signage
for the parking lot changes. A proposal is in-hand for review.
- Fall River Trail Extension – A Request for Proposal will go out this month for
construction of a portion of the Fall River Trail. A couple of grant applications
have been submitted for unfunded portions of the trail
PROJECT UPDATES (Parking & Transit Manager Vanessa Solesbee)
Manager Solesbee informed the TAB there would be a joint planning meeting with the
Shuttle Committee. Solesbee will provide the needed information for this meeting by the
end of the week. She further updated the TAB that the Title VI portion of the ADA would
go before the Town Board on January 28 for approval. This is required as federal
funding was received for the electric shuttle. The new electric trolley will be ready for a
February delivery.
Solesbee stated that the contract for the Paid Parking Consultant was approved by the
Town Board. The contract includes management of the paid parking program, permit
program, staffing, etc. for the initial rollout of paid parking in downtown Estes Park.
OTHER BUSINESS
With no other business to discuss, Chair Morri s adjourned the meeting at 2:00 p.m.
Recording Secretary
Megan Van Hoozer, 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.