HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES Transportation Advisory Board 2022-6-15
Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, June 15, 2022
Minutes of a Regular meeting of the TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY
BOARD of the Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado. Meeting held
in the Municipal Building in said Town of Estes Park on the 15th day of June,
2022.
Board: Chair Morris; Vice-Chair Ekeren; Members Bernal, Ferko,
Finley, Gamble, Hanick, Igel, and Slack
Attending: Chair Morris; Vice-Chair Ekeren; Members Ferko, Finley,
Gamble, Hanick, and Igel; Manager Solesbee; Director
Muhonen; Trustee Martchink; and Recording Secretary
McDonald
Absent: Member Slack
Chair Morris called the meeting to order at 12:06 p.m.
Prior to the official agenda sequence, Chair Morris thanked Linda Hanick for her
continued service in being reappointed to the TAB, and welcomed newly appointed
members Jessica Ferko and Mark Igel. All members briefly introduced themselves. Also
at this time, Director Muhonen briefly explained the TAB’s mission, values, and approach
to dialogue. Members Ferko and Igel will attend a TAB orientation session prior to the
July 20 meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
TRUSTEE LIAISON UPDATE
Trustee Martchink reported that four TAB member applications had been received and
reviewed prior to the appointments being approved. The Town Board Strategic Planning
Session #2 took place June 13.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES DATED MAY 18, 2022
It was moved and seconded (Finley/Ekeren) to approve the May 18, 2022, minutes
with minor amendments, and the motion passed unanimously.
PARKING & TRANSIT UPDATES
Manager Solesbee reported overall smooth operations for the paid parking season that
began May 27, with some technology issues Memorial Day weekend. Printed resources
have been distributed throughout town. The Car Park’s key performance indicator (KPI)
data reports, which were generated weekly in 2021, will be shared with the Town Board
and on the website twice monthly for the 2022 season. Parking activity accelerated this
week, and free lots are measurably busy; overall revenue is down about 2.5% from 2021.
Transportation Advisory Board – June 15, 2022 – Page 2
Customer behavior reflects understanding of the system and compliance. Discussion
points included businesses observing fewer regional visitors and more budget-conscious
shoppers; the trend of people making last-minute reservations in this economy; the
tracking of electric charging stations; planning with the Police Department for
Independence Day weekend crowds; and the June 28 Town Board review of the Express
Pass pilot, for which Chair Morris submitted the TAB’s letter of support.
For transit updates, Manager Solesbee advised that summer transit service will be in full
force on July 1, with all six routes running through Scot Fest weekend, September 10-11.
Town and Bustang ridership reports will be presented in July. Reporting for Federal
Transit Administration/Colorado Department of Transportation (FTA/CDOT) is underway.
The grant-funded trolley barn project passed FTA environmental review, and design
should be completed soon; with likely cost increases, additional funding is being pursued
to cover the approximately 280k gap. The second trolley is still on its way. The Visitor
Center “mobility hub” parking lot project (SB 267) design agreement will be presented to
the Town Board in July for 2023 construction; a consultant will be sought in the fall. The
CDOT Super Call in July will be an opportunity to pursue funds for administration,
operations, and the trolley facility.
ENGINEERING UPDATES
Director Muhonen guided review of the Downtown Wayfinding Plan (DWP) packet item,
which featured preliminary signage designs that are scheduled for public survey input on
June 21. Discussion points included the maintenance and durability factor of each
material; the impact of font size on legibility; the importance of avoiding signs that are too
small or that have sharp edges; the need for bike rack signage; and the benefits of
reducing the number of options and survey questions for public feedback. It was agreed
that the 2019 designs are aesthetically preferred and that building from the existing
designs and signage would be practical and efficient. Director Muhonen will share the
TAB’s feedback with the consultant.
ADMINISTRATION UPDATES
Director Muhonen briefed the TAB on goals and objectives of the June 13 Town Board
Strategic Plan. Of the 30 suggestions presented, 19 call for Public Works; 10 involve
transportation. It was agreed that this strategic planning process is done well and that
input from department staff is indispensable.
Tentatively scheduled for the June 28 Town Board Study Session is a Regional
Transportation Planning presentation for Larimer County municipalities by planner and
engineer Jenny Young. The purpose of this Mentimeter-based software presentation is
to take a regional snapshot of transportation needs, assess and develop community
cooperation, evaluate the current funding environment, and recommend polling
questions.
OTHER BUSINESS
With the transition in membership, Member Gamble asked whether the TAB desired to
change the meeting format, time, or location. Discussion ensued. It was moved and
Transportation Advisory Board – June 15, 2022 – Page 3
seconded (Bernal/Gamble) to keep the current meeting specifications, and the
motion passed unanimously.
Manager Solesbee will email the TAB information on registering for the Volunteer Parking
Permit.
There being no further business, Chair Morris adjourned the meeting at 1:55pm.
/s/Lani McDonald, Recording Secretary