HomeMy WebLinkAboutPACKET Transportation Advisory Board 2020-9-16The Transportation Advisory Board will participate in the meeting remotely due to the Declaration of
Emergency signed by Town Administrator Machalek on March 19, 2020 related to COVID-19 and provided
for with the adoption of Ordinance 04-20 on March 18, 2020
Options for the Public to Participate Remotely and Provide Public Input:
1. By Electronic Mail: Members of the public may provide public comment or comment on a specific
agenda item by sending an email to publicworks@estes.org. The email must be received by 5:00
p.m., Tuesday, September 15, 2020. All emails will be provided to the Transportation Advisory
Board and incorporated into the minutes.
2. By Telephone Message: Members of the public may provide public comment or comment on a
specific agenda item by calling (970) 577-3587. The calls must be received by 5:00 p.m., Tuesday,
September 15, 2020. All call-in information will be provided to the Transportation Advisory Board
and incorporated into the minutes.
3. No public attendance at this meeting.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION DURING MEETING
Options for participation in the meeting will be available by call-in telephone option or online via Zoom
Webinar which will be moderated by the Transportation Advisory Board Chairperson.
CALL-IN (TELEPHONE OPTION):
Dial public participation phone number, 1-253-215-8782
Enter the Meeting ID for the September 16, 2020 meeting: 913 9611 0615 followed by the pound sign
(#). The meeting will be available beginning at 11:50 a.m. the day of the meeting. Please call into the
meeting prior to 12:00 p.m., if possible.
Request to Speak: For public comment, the Chairperson will ask attendees to indicate if they would like
to speak – phone participants will need to press *9 to “raise hand”. The Chairperson will be moderating
the Zoom session to ensure all participants have an opportunity to address the Transportation Advisory
Board. Once you are announced by phone please state your name and address for the record.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION (ONLINE):
Individuals who wish to address the Board via virtual public participation can do so through Zoom
Webinar at https//zoom.us/w/91396110615 – Zoom Webinar ID: 913-9611-0615. Individuals
participating in the Zoom session should also watch the meeting through that site, and not via the
website, due to the streaming delay and possible audio interference.
Start Time: The Zoom Webinar will be available beginning at 11:50 a.m. on the day of the meeting.
Participants wanting to ensure their equipment setup is working should join prior to the start of the meeting
at 12:00 p.m.
Request to Speak: For public comments, the Chairperson will ask attendees to click the “Raise Hand” button
to indicate you would like to speak at that time. The Chairperson will moderate the Zoom session to ensure
all participants have an opportunity to address the Transportation Advisory Board.
• You will experience a short delay prior to re-connecting with the ability to speak.
• State your name and address for the record.
In order to participate, you must:
• Have an internet-enabled smartphone, laptop or computer.
o Using earphones with a microphone will greatly improve your audio experience.
• Join the Zoom Webinar.
o The link can be found above.
• Click “Participate Virtually in the Transportation Advisory Board Meeting”.
• DO NOT watch/stream the meeting via the website at the same time due to delays and possible
feedback issues.
Documents to Share: If individuals wish to present a document to the Transportation Advisory Board,
material must be emailed by Tuesday, September 15, 2020 by 12:00 p.m. to the Public Works Office at
publicworks@estes.org.
AGENDA NEXT PAGE
AGENDA
Transportation Advisory Board
Wednesday, September 16, 2020
12:00 p.m.
12:00 – 12:05 Public Comment Chair Belle Morris
12:05 – 12:10 Approval of August Minutes Chair Belle Morris
12:10 – 12:25 Colorado Parks & Wildlife Grants Grant Specialist, Christy Crosser
- Update to Estes Valley Master Trails Plan
- Trail Upgrades
12:25 – 1:00 Project Updates Parking & Transit Mgr. Vanessa Solesbee
- Town Board Presentation Preview
- Parking Utilization Update The Car Park, Matt Eisenberg
- Town Board Presentation Preview
- Transit Update
- NoCo Active Transportation Challenge
1:00 – 1:20 Project Updates Engineering Mgr. David Hook
1:20 – 1:40 Project / Administration Updates Public Works Director Greg Muhonen
- Signing and striping upgrades to trail crossings of driveways and streets
Adjourn
Carlie Bangs, Town Board Trustee Liaison
Greg Muhonen, Estes Park Public Works Staff Liaison
Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, August 19, 2020
Minutes of a Regular meeting of the Transportation Advisory Board of the
Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado. Meeting held virtually on the
19th day of August 2020.
Committee: Belle Morris, Tom Street, Janice Crow, Ann Finley, Larry
Gamble, Linda Hanick, Scott Moulton, Gordon Slack, Ron
Wilcocks
Attending: Belle Morris, Tom Street, Janice Crow, Ann Finley, Larry
Gamble, Linda Hanick, Scott Moulton, Gordon Slack, Ron
Wilcocks, The Car Park General Mgr. Matt Eisenberg, Trustee
Carlie Bangs, Public Works Director Greg Muhonen,
Engineering Mgr. David Hook, Grants Specialist Christy
Crosser, SRD Consultant Sarah Davis, Parking & Transit Mgr.
Vanessa Solesbee
Absent: None
Chair Morris called the meeting to order at 12:00 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT.
No electronic submissions of public comment were received prior to the deadline.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made and seconded (Gamble/Street) to approve the July meeting
minutes as corrected and all were in favor.
EV PLAN PRESENTATION (SRD Consultant, Sarah Davis)
Manager Solesbee introduced the President of SRD Consulting (SRD), Sarah Davis.
SRD was selected by a multi-departmental selection committee and were also
responsible for management of the Tesla charging stations at the Stanley Hotel.
There are over a thousand electronic public transit vehicles on the road, and with the
nation’s push toward electric vehicles, it would benefit all for Estes Park to prepare for
the influx. Governor Polis supports this initiative.
Recent grant funding, having been awarded the Town, has allowed for work to occur
updating the Town’s Comprehensive Plan. This work is anticipated to take place in
2021. Recommendations will be made for planning, project schedule, and stakeholder
input opportunities will take place. Many thanks go out to Grant Specialist Christy
Crosser for managing this process.
Looking at varied stakeholders desiring involvement. Community outreach will occur
through online polling, along with education and awareness via social media. All
community outreach will be completed by the end of November 2020. Once the website
is up, the draft plan will be available to the TAB.
The TAB was encouraged to share the plan with those in their networks for more
widespread review and feedback.
Member slacked asked if there is a standard connector for all electronic vehicles. Tesla
has its own type of connector, but most others are comparable. There will soon be a
CCS standardization, but at this point one has to be very attentive to what is available
on the vehicle versus available charging stations.
Regarding the range of the electrical charge, and based on the vehicle options, there is
a standard range. In the Estes Valley, there are hills, cold weather and other factors that
impact the range of charge. There is generally a 200-mile range average with ideal
temp, flat ground, etc. Manufacturers continue to improve range and design.
Transportation Advisory Board – August 19, 2020 – Page 2
Chair Morris mentioned her concern about running out of battery-life while driving.
Crosser stated that, if that were to occur, that there is a rescue app available.
Crosser, being cognizant of time restrictions, requested members that have input on the
plan shared by Davis, to please provide via email. She also stated that it is clear from
some of the questions received, that education about electric vehicles would be
beneficial.
TRANSIT UPDATE (The Car Park General Mgr. Matt Eisenberg)
The Car Park’s General Manager Matt Eisenberg presented updated parking utilization
data. He reiterated that due to the Visitor Center lobby being closed and the absence of
the RMNP Hiker Shuttle this year, the parking structure averages an 11-16%
occupancy.
Peak parking occupancy is averaging 84% versus 89% in 2019 while average
occupancy is at 65% versus 71% in 2019. 690 parking citations h ave been written with
a collection rate of 44%. General User Parking Permits have generated $1,500 in
revenue with 74 being sold to date.
TRANSIT UPDATE (Parking & Transit Mgr. Vanessa Solesbee)
Solesbee shared the news that the Town of Estes Park was awarded a grant for $300K
to build new bays for the electric trolleys. She expressed thanks to Grant Specialist
Crosser and the Town’s Facilities Manager, Jon Landkamer for all their work on this
project.
Ridership Update: Solesbee met with the Shuttle Committee to gain their perspective.
The Committee prefers to ride out 2020 and focus efforts on potential year-round shuttle
service in 2021. It was also suggested to add a large map at Visitor Center reflecting the
shuttle system to provide location and destination information . It was reported that July
ridership was at around 23% capacity which is a slight uptick.
2020 Service Adjustments: Solesbee reported that shuttle service hours are being
adjusted to run from 10 am to 8 pm moving forward in 2020. Outreach will be performed
to share safety precautions where regular riders exist.
Outreach Assistance: Manager Solesbee and Brian Wells of Rocky Mountain Transit
Management, have been working to gain insight from a wide range of individuals related
to 2020 shuttle service. Both will be riding different routes to gather data via verbal
survey. Solesbee requested that if any TAB members are interested in voluntarily
assisting with this outreach effort, to please reach out to her directly.
PROJECT UPDATES: ENGINEERING (Engineering Mgr. David Hook)
Fall River Trail Extension:
Box bridge culverts have been installed along a segment of Fall River Trail funded by
grant dollars awarded by Colorado Parks and Wildlife Colorado the Beautiful grant
dollars. Work within Rocky Mountain National Park will not begin until the end of the
tourist season.
2020 Street Improvement Program (STIP):
Both the Chip Seal and Crack Seal Programs for 2020 are in various stages of
completion and should be wrapping up soon.
Development Review:
- Alarado: Revised drawings have been received for the traffic signal at US 34 &
Steamer Drive.
- Wildfire: The preconstruction meeting was held within the last month and
construction is planned to begin in the near future.
- Elkhorn Lodge: This project is proceeding through the planning process. The final
plat and PUD were approved by the Town Board this month. As part of this
development a new curb, gutter, and sidewalk will be installed along Elkhorn Ave.
Transportation Advisory Board – August 19, 2020 – Page 3
Hook then reported on some schedule changes related to planned projects. The 2020
Wayfinding Project was defunded in 2020 due to COVID-19 budget adjustments. The
Engineering Division will be requesting funding again for 2021. The request will
specifically tie to a paid parking determination in 2021. The first phase of the project i s
parking signage.
The Graves Avenue project, using grant funding from Safe Routes to School (SRTS)
will have a finalized design at the end of 2020 with construction beginning in 2021. The
Cleave Street project is now planned for 2022.
Hook stated that there are currently open grant cycles being explored. An additional
SRTS grant would help fill gaps in current trail/school route systems. He invited to
members to get in touch with him if they are aware of any system gaps. The funds
would be used for planning, not new infrastructure.
Member Wilcocks stated he was observing the Fall River Trail alignment and noticed
that there isn’t much distance between where the existing Fall River Trail stops and
where David Drive comes out to US 34. He suggested future signage showing a detour
for those using the trail, from the end of the existing trail to the newer segment, until that
gap is filled. He just wanted to make the suggestion for a safe route from downtown to
RMNP. Hook agreed to introduce the suggestion into discussion for an informal detour
route. Morris suggested signage to warn trail users of the trail crossing at Sleepy Hollow
Court. Hook stated this concern has not been expressed but it will be investigated.
TAB members began discussing other areas of concern that Hook recorded and agreed
to investigate. Per prior conversations and the items mentioned in this meeting, Member
Moulton will be creating a document listing the areas of concern.
PROJECT / ADMINISTRATION UPDATES (Public Works Director Greg Muhonen)
Director Muhonen reported that the design for the US 36 & Community Drive
intersection is back in motion and weekly meeting are taking place. The plans should be
at 65% completion in September and 90% in December. The Upper Front Range
planning group may be bringing a call for Congestions Mitigation & Air Quality (CMAQ)
dollars.
In 2019, all CMAQ dollars allotted were granted for this project. Muhonen stated that the
Town may request more grant dollars in 2021, although Larimer County has project(s)
that they are hoping to have funded by the same dollars. Muhonen stated that the US
36 & Community Drive project cost estimates need refined . The project team is working
to reduce costs by removing the multi-use trail and by introducing other interim scope
reductions. More will be known in September or October.
The Public Works Department is also working with the neighbors along 3rd Street on a
pilot program to test traffic calming measures. The pilot program concludes today, and a
neighborhood meeting has been scheduled for August 26 to gain additional input from
the neighborhood. The Town plans to pilot additional options, however the simple
barricade at each end of 3rd Street did reduce traffic and speeding. The Water Division
will be digging up the roadway in 2021 for a water project, but once complete the Town
is looking at restructuring 3rd Street, North Court and South Court once the water project
is complete.
Member Wilcocks wanted to be sure and state that, with respect to employee parking
permits, at an annual charge of $30 is very encouraging for both employees and
employers. He conveyed his hopes that this charge will continue moving forward, if not
made lower. Solesbee stated low costs will definitely continue. As it stands, the Town
Board will have final approval of these charges each year.
Member Slack expressed confusion about the informal parking areas, currently located
in vacant lots created for the Downtown Estes Loop. He asked if these are legal parking
areas. Solesbee confirmed that the areas can legally be used for parking at this time.
Transportation Advisory Board – August 19, 2020 – Page 4
Member Hanick mentioned her concern that no sidewalk at the MacGregor Ave. &
Wonderview Ave. roundabout has been installed. Muhonen confirmed that this is
something currently being discussed.
Muhonen went on to share that the Town’s 2021 Strategic Plan is currently under way.
The Executive Leadership Team (ELT) met to discuss outcome areas and policy
statement. The ELT met again today to share objectives for those outcome areas. The
transportation segment is significantly larger than any other. Another meeting is planned
to occur August 27th to discuss 5-year goals and one-year objectives. Later in the year
the plan will be released to the public. With the next step being budget planning,
modifications may be necessary if there exist any significant budget implications.
Muhonen then shared that the construction year for 2021 is full and no other projects
are anticipated to be planned. Member Gamble asked about grant opportunities for
Moraine Ave. (US 36) improvements, from the signal at Mary’s Lake Road to downtown.
Muhonen stated that work along that corridor is being kept in the 5-year goals. Absent
the funding, this project is definitely on Public Works’ radar and is included in the list.
Chair Morris asked Crosser to update the group on where work on the Town’s
Comprehensive Plan Updates stands. Crosser stated that the original grant application
to the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) was due August 1 but was then delayed to
October 1, 2020. A majority of that application has been drafted and Crosser has been
meeting with Community Development Director Randy Hunt and staff to ensure all is
ready for the October deadline.
Crosser also stated that the she has been invited to work with DOLA on revising their
grant guidance procedures for improvement. DOLA revised a section on the
Comprehensive Plan related and Land Use and Development Codes which was
required. There are many requirements defined by DOLA for the Comprehensive Plan.
Director Hunt will be ready to start in 2021. For 2020, the Town may submit hardship
information to help with the cost-share. The cost-share must, however, be available in
2021. Muhonen followed to say that Transportation Master Plan will be done sometime
after Comprehensive Plan is completed.
Manager Solesbee offered to the group a web training being offered titled ‘Tactical
Communication: Dealing Effectively with Difficult & Aggressive Behavior’. This is being
offered as part of her involvement with the Estes Valley Resiliency Collaborative (EVRC).
If anyone is interested, they’re asked to reach out to Solesbee directly.
There being no further business, Chair Morris adjourned the meeting at 2:02 p.m.
Megan Van Hoozer, Recording Secretary
Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) grant opportunities
September 2020
The Town is planning to submit 2 grant applications to CPW:
1. Trails maintenance, US Hwy 34 between Estes Park Visitor Center and Lake Estes Marina
parking lot
2. Planning grant to update the Estes Valley Master Trails Plan
Requirements:
• Town Board resolutions–will be presented for both grant applications on Sept 22
• Application content:
o Maintenance: project description, scope, wildlife & natural resources, need, priority,
sustainability, public comment
o Planning: community need & benefit, urgency, cumulative impacts, wildlife &
natural resources, collaboration, implementation, public comment
• Budget & match requirement
• Environmental considerations
• Must be on Town-owned property
• Maps & photographs
• Support letters, maximum of 5 letters
• Youth & volunteer engagement
• Project must be completed within 2.5 years from award date
*Highlighted tasks are what advisory committee members may help with for the application
Schedule
August 3 – October 1, 2020 Grant applications available on the CPW website
September 8, 2020 Basic project scope and map emailed to Area Wildlife Manager
and Trails Program email (dnr_trails@state.co.us)
October 1, 2020 Grant applications due
October – December 2020 CPW staff and subcommittee preliminary review
January 2021 Applicant presentations to subcommittees
January 2021 State Trails Committee reviews recommendations from
subcommittees
March 2021 CPW Commission makes the final decision on funding
May – June 2021 CPW contracts are written and distributed to awarded project
applicants.
Existing Trails and Paths
EVRPD
NPS
USFS
Larimer County
Other
Town Sidewalk
Land Use
YMCA of the Rockies
Conservation Easement
Parks and Open Space
Rocky Mountain National Park Boundary
USDA Forest Service
Town Boundary
Estes Valley Trails Plan
Existing Conditions
EVPRD District
North
Larimer County Parks and Open Space
Boulder County
Boulder County Open Space
Legend
Points of Interest
!@ NPS Visitor Center
!C NPS Trailhead
!C USFS Trailhead
!C EVRPD Trailhead
012340.5
Miles
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Beaver
Meadows
Upper Beaver
Meadows
Deer Mountain/
Deer Ridge
Moraine Park
Fern Lake
Bierstadt Lake
Cub Lake
Hallowell Park
Bear Lake
Lumpy Ridge
Cow Creek
Dunraven
Dunraven
Corral Creek
La Poudre Pass
Chapin Pass
Rock Cut
Ute Crossing
Beaver Ponds
Cache La PoudreCrater
Milner Pass
Fall River
East Portal
Sprague Lake
Glacier Gorge
East Inlet
Tonahutu
North Inlet
Fish Creek
Homer Rouse
Lily Mountain
Wild Basin
Lily Lake
Twin Sisters
Longs Peak
Sandbeach Lake
Finch Lake Bright
Bright Extension
Coulson Gulch
EVRPD BOUNDARY
EVRPD BOUNDARY
LARIMER COUNTY
BOULDER COUNTY
GR
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Prospect
Mountain
Crosier
Mountain
Hermit
Park
Open
Space
Blue
Mountain
Bison
Ranch
Johnny Park
Homestead
Meadows
Lyons
Drake
Pinewood
Springs
Estes Park
Glen Haven
Hall Ranch
Open Space
ROCKY
MOUNTAIN
NATIONAL
PARK
COMANCHE
PEAK
WILDERNESS
NEOTA
WILDERNESS
ARAPAHO
&
ROOSEVELT
NATIONAL
FORESTS
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