HomeMy WebLinkAboutPACKET Transportation Advisory Board 2023-02-152/10/2023
TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY BOARD February 15, 2023
12:00 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING Town Hall | Room 202
AGENDA
In-Person Meeting | Board, Staff, and Public
12:00 pm Public Comment
12:05 pm Trustee Liaison Update Trustee Martchink
12:10 pm Approval of Minutes dated January 18, 2023 (packet)
12:15 pm Complete Streets Policy (packet) Chair Morris
12:25 pm Moraine Ave Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) Task Force Chair Morris
12:35 pm Mobility Services Updates (packet) Manager Solesbee
1:20 pm US 34 Transportation Management Organization Manager Solesbee
1:35 pm Engineering Updates Director Muhonen
1:58 pm Other Business
Adjourn
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Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, January 18, 2023
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 18th day of
January, 2023.
Board: Chair Belle Morris; Vice-Chair Kristen Ekeren; Members
Javier Bernal, Jessica Ferko, Ann Finley, Larry Gamble, Linda
Hanick, Mark Igel, and Gordon Slack; Trustee Patrick
Martchink; Staff Liaison Greg Muhonen
Attending: Chair Morris; Members Bernal, Ferko, Gamble, Hanick, Igel,
and Slack; Managers Hook and Solesbee; Director Muhonen;
Trustee MacAlpine; Recording Secretary McDonald; Dana
Klein, Parking & Transit Supervisor; Jeff Bailey, Public Works
Engineer; Trevor Wittwer, Public Works Engineer; Laura
Blevins, Grants Specialist
Absent: Vice-Chair Ekeren, Member Finley
Chair Morris called the meeting to order at 12:04 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Chair Morris reported being contacted by a Denver University professor in support of
regional transportation connectivity and overall improvements for those traveling
throughout the Estes Valley and Upper Front Range.
TRUSTEE LIAISON UPDATE
Trustee MacAlpine reported on behalf of Trustee Martchink. At the January 10 Town
Board, the TAB’s five-year sunset review resulted in approval for it to continue as an
advisory board; the TAB was commended for its impressive work. The Parks Advisory
Board (PAB) has accomplished its purpose and is in the process of expiring; some of the
PAB’s responsibility areas could be addressed through the creation of an Environmental
Sustainability Board, which is being considered.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES DATED DECEMBER 21, 2022
It was moved and seconded (Slack/Hanick) to approve the December 21, 2022,
minutes with one minor amendment, and the motion passed unanimously.
COMPLETE STREETS POLICY
Manager Hook introduced Trevor Wittwer, the Town’s new Civil Engineer, to present this
item.
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Transportation Advisory Board – January 18, 2023 – Page 2
The Complete Streets Policy (CSP) Annual Report for 2022 shows how projects at
various stages are serving multimodal transportation criteria and users, and includes
checklists for the Fall River Trail (FRT) project’s CSP and Traffic Calming. Discussion
centered around the ideal number of project updates provided per project each year.
While it was agreed that reporting at the 30 and 90 percent design stages is most efficient
for Public Works staff and the TAB, the complexity of each project can determine the need
for additional reporting.
MULTIMODAL TRAILS & SIGNAGE
Chair Morris referenced the photos provided in the packet as examples of improved
signage language for trails shared between pedestrians and cyclists. She has contacted
the Estes Valley Recreation and Parks District (EVRPD) and other groups to possibly
collaborate on new, consistently produced striping and signage. Discussion points
included the particular need for such signage at trail entrances and the crossing points
with streets and driveways, and on the developing FRT; the desire for center lines on
sharp curves; seeking support from the Estes Park Cycling Coalition; and consulting
Parks Supervisor Berg for his input since the Parks Division maintains the Town’s trails.
It was agreed that the TAB could develop a proposal for the development of signage
standards and discuss it at a future meeting, but Director Muhonen advised that staff
could not undertake any approved project for this until 2024.
MOBILITY SERVICES UPDATES
Manager Solesbee introduced Dana Klein as the new Parking and Transit Supervisor; his
addition as a strong presence in field operations will lessen the need for The Car Park’s
advanced management of the Town’s paid parking season and likely create cost-savings
for the Town. The Fleet Division is now fully staffed.
On February 14, a resolution establishing 2023 paid parking and permit fees will be
presented to the Town Board; the TAB is asked to provide a letter of support by January
26. Staff is recommending to maintain the 2021 and 2022 paid parking program permit
fees and policies, with the exception of adding a week in late October to align with Rocky
Mountain National Park’s (RMNP) timed entry system, and offering a new overnight
parking permit for special event vendors. Based on feedback from the Parking Revenue
Task Force (PRTF), staff is proposing that parking net revenues be directed to additional
parking supply (45%), specifically toward designing a second parking level on the Big
Horn lot; maintaining or expanding the Town’s transit service (45%), particularly by
adjusting the trolley hours to serve the needs of downtown employees; and reserve
funding (10%).
Discussion points for the resolution included the limited issue of the Express Pass;
planned promotion of the free parking structure through messaging and the Events and
Visitor Services staff; how parking expansion efforts will inevitably discourage the use of
alternative transportation, though such efforts are necessary to meet the parking needs
of people impacted by the Cleave Street Improvements (CSI) project; and the need for
clear and transparent goals for the Town’s parking and transit programs, which can
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Transportation Advisory Board – January 18, 2023 – Page 3
greatly impact the historic demographic of visitors. The TAB letter of support for the
resolution will include the minority viewpoint on parking expansion.
Also on February 14, a Town Board Study Session (TBSS) will feature representatives
from the North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization, Via Mobility, and VanGo
discussing the concept of a US 34 Transportation Management Organization (TMO). TAB
members will receive the TBSS materials and are encouraged to attend. Planned topics
are: defining a TMO and its operations; vanpooling options; and piloting a transit service
between Loveland and Estes Park. This TMO is the effort of the US 34 Coalition, which
Estes Park is invited to join as a non-voting member, a TMO member, or an informal
participant of meetings only. The TMO is a high priority for the US 34 Coalition, and grant
opportunities could help with seed funding for its staff and advocacy efforts.
Other transit updates included that the first trolley is undergoing full repairs; a transit
branding workshop will soon take place; the trolley facility is at design completion stage
and will soon go to bid for construction in late 2023; the Visitor Center Parking Lot
Redesign (SB 267) will begin in late 2023; the Multimodal Transportation Plan is being
prepared for a request for proposal (RFP), with early interest already expressed by
potential bidders; the Estes Valley Infrastructure & Readiness Plan (EVIRP) is being
revived with action steps; and Supervisor Klein is researching funding sources for transit
service.
ENGINEERING UPDATES
Director Muhonen reported that the Downtown Estes Loop (DEL) Preconstruction
Conference took place January 12, with construction scheduled to begin January 30. The
project’s initial phase will address utility relocates on South Moraine Avenue, earthwork
on the roundabout location, and reconstruction of the Ivy Bridge. Resurfacing of Elkhorn
and Moraine Avenues is tentatively scheduled, but a buried water main may be replaced
first. Today’s press release will be followed by information on a new project website and
public communication plan. Contract award for the US 36 & Community Drive
Roundabout is pending receipt of the Colorado Department of Transportation’s (CDOT)
Concurrence to Award.
Engineer Bailey advised that the CSI design plans are nearing 90 percent and utility
problems are being addressed. The FRT is on schedule for completion before Memorial
Day. Tree removal in the right-of-way is being kept to a minimum, with clearing and
grubbing in process. Gas line relocation is pending, and a temporary traffic signal will be
placed in the one-lane work zone.
Manager Hook advised that the Downtown Wayfinding Plan was adopted January 10,
and the Phase 1 bid opening is February 2. Easement acquisitions for Graves Avenue
are underway, with two of the seven being donated. The FRT’s Colorado the Beautiful
Grant (CtB) may require an extension due to easements for the segment. A consultant
has been retained to review bid documents before Memorial Day for trail and pedestrian
bridge maintenance.
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Transportation Advisory Board – January 18, 2023 – Page 4
ADMINISTRATION UPDATES
Agenda item not addressed.
2023 TAB OFFICERS ELECTION
Chair Morris opened the floor to 2023 officer nominations. Member Gamble advised that
Vice-Chair Ekeren had expressed willingness to continue her service. Chair Morris
expressed willingness to continue her service. It was moved and seconded
(Hanick/Ferko) to nominate Chair Morris and Vice-Chair Ekeren to continue in their
current officer roles, and the motion passed unanimously. It was advised that the Town
Clerk’s Office notifies the public of upcoming vacancies on advisory boards, at which time
TAB members whose appointments are expiring may reapply and be considered for
reappointment by the Town Board.
OTHER BUSINESS
None.
There being no further business, Chair Morris adjourned the meeting at 1:45 p.m.
Lani McDonald, Recording Secretary
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Effective Period:Until Superceded
Review Schedule:Annual
Effective Date:April 23,2019
References:Downtown Plan
PUBLIC WORKS
851
Complete Streets
Engineering Division
1.PURPOSE
This policy establishes practices within the Public Works Department to promote and
encourage the development of a multi-modal transportation network that will provide
access to all users.Through the application of Complete Streets principles,we will
provide comprehensive,safe,convenient,and comfortable routes for walking,bicycling,
and public transportation.This will encourage active living lifestyles,wellness,reduce
traffic congestion,reduce noise and air pollution,and improve the safety and quality of
life of Estes Park residents and visitors.
2.POLICY
The Town of Estes Park Complete Streets Policy is attached as Appendix 1.
3.PROCEDURE
The attached Complete Streets Policy includes procedures to implement the policy
(Section 2),procedures to track &report application of the policy over time (Section 3),
a Complete Streets Checklist (Exhibit A),and Traffic Calming Guidelines (Exhibit B).
Approved:
Todd Jirs ,Mayor
‘-‘las!,,
Date
Document Title Final 4/23/19
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APPENDIX I -Town of Estes Park Complete Streets Policy
Statement of Intent:
The Town of Estes Park,through the adoption of this Complete Streets Policy,intends to
promote and encourage the development of a multi-modal transportation network that will
provide access to all users.
Introduction
Complete Streets are streets for everyone.A Complete Streets approach integrates people
and place in the planning,design,construction,operation,and maintenance of our
transportation networks.This helps to ensure streets are safe for people of all ages and
abilities,balance the needs of different modes,and support local land uses,economies,
cultures,and natural environments.Complete Streets make it easy to cross the street,walk to
shops,and bicycle for work,play,shopping,and recreation.
A Complete Streets Policy allows planners and designers to understand and meet the actual
mobility needs of every community member,however,they travel -by foot,bicycle,scooter,
skateboard,shuttle or automobile.A Complete Street ultimately encourages all community
members to utilize mobility options to access destinations such as schools,downtown
businesses,neighborhoods and recreation areas.This makes it easier for shuttles to run on
time and make it safe for people to walk to and from parking areas such as the Visitor Center
Parking Structure.
Every transportation project that implements the Complete Streets approach will make the
multi-modal transportation network better and safer for motorists,drivers,transit riders,
pedestrians,and bicyclists,thus making the town a better place to live and visit.
Policy
1.DEFINITIONS:The following words and phrases,whenever used in this Policy,shall
have the meanings defined in this section unless the context clearly requires otherwise:
a.Complete Street Infrastructure:According to the National Complete Streets
Coalition,appropriate elements that make up a complete street would include
sidewalks,bicycle lanes,shared use paths,designated transit lanes,safe and
accessible transit stops,safe crossings for pedestrians (including median
islands),grade separated crossings (i.e.underpasses or overpasses),
accessible pedestrian signals,and curb extensions.Additionally,they include
Document Title Final 4/23/19
Revisions:0 Town of Estes Park,Public Works Page 2 of 6
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features identified in the Estes Valley Trails Master Plan and the Estes Park
Downtown plan.
b.“Street”includes streets,avenues,boulevards,road,lanes,alleys,and all
public ways.
c.“Street Project”means the capital construction or capital reconstruction of any
street,whether by the public or private sector,and includes the planning,
design,approval,and implementation processes.Operation and maintenance
(O&M)based projects are excluded.
d.“Multi-modal Transportation Network”means all facilities,vehicles and
devices designed to facilitate the mobility of people.
e.“Users”are individuals who use the Multi-modal Transportation Network.
Categories of Users include pedestrians,bicyclists,motor vehicle drivers,
public transportation riders and people of all ages and abilities.
2.IMPLEMENTATION.
a.The Town of Estes Park shall consider every Street Project an opportunity to
incorporate the principles of Complete Streets.
b.The Town of Estes Park will work in coordination with other organizations,agencies,
and jurisdictions to achieve safe,convenient and connected Complete Streets
infrastructure within the Multi-modal Transportation Network.
c.This policy will be used as a guide to the Town of Estes Park in development of
transportation plans,transit plans,and design standards.As practicable,these
documents and tools will be updated to reflect this Complete Streets Policy.
d.Implementation of the Complete Streets Policy will consider the adjacent
neighborhood,completion of the multi-modal network,priority corridors,and the
financial costs of the Complete Street elements.
e.The Complete Streets Checklist at Exhibit A below will be used in planning,design
and construction or reconstruction of all transportation projects.
f.Public works will present to the Transportation Advisory Board,CDOT (for proposed
work within the CDOT right of way),and to the general public at neighborhood
meetings all street reconstructions,modifications,and construction projects at the
30%preliminary design stage and 90%final design stage.When the proposed
street work is at a location governed by the Complete Streets Policy,the
presentation will include the Complete Streets Checklist results,recommended
design cross-section,alternative improvements,if any,construction cost estimates
for each alternative,clarification of maintenance responsibility,and estimated
maintenance costs.
g.Implementation of relevant parts of the Downtown Plan will also be considered in the
implementation of this policy.
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h.Public works will encourage projects undertaken by other public agencies and
private sector development to follow this policy.
i.Exceptions to this policy for any Street Project can only be granted with the approval
of the Public Works Director and the Town Administrator after coordination with the
Transportation Advisory Board.
3.DATA COLLECTION AND PROGRESS REPORTING
a.The Town will periodically collect,review and report performance data and benchmark
measurements to demonstrate the effectiveness of this policy.This will include:number
of projects completed,number of projects incorporating complete streets infrastructure,
actual infrastructure added,number of transit and non-motorized users,and community
attitudes and perceptions.
b.The Transportation Advisory Board and the Shuttle Committee are encouraged to
provide ongoing feedback and act as a conduit for public participation on the
implementation of Complete Streets practices.
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Exhibit A
Complete Streets Checklist
1.Existing Conditions:
a.What accommodations for bicycles,pedestrians,and transit are included in the
existing facility and on facilities it intersects or crosses?
b.If there are not pedestrian or bicycle facilities and transit,how far from the proposed
project are the closest parallel walkways and bicycle facilities?
c.Are there existing impediments for bicycle,transit,and pedestrian travel that the
proposed project could address?
d.What current or future trip generators are in the vicinity of the proposed project that
could potentially attract more pedestrians,bicyclists,employees,transit or users of
other travel modes?
e.Did the project design consider conflicts between users of different modes of travel,
including bicyclists,pedestrians,motor vehicles,transit or others?
f.Do any previously adopted plans call for the installation of bicycle or pedestrian
facilities such as bike or multi modal lanes on,crossing,or adjacent to the proposed
facility?If yes,list the applicable plans.
2.Project Scope
h.What accommodations,if any,are included for bicycle,pedestrians,and transit in
the proposed project design?
i.If the proposed project does not include bicycle and pedestrian facilities,list
reasons.
j.State the cost of the bicycle and pedestrian facilities and their proportion of the total
project cost.
k.What entity or district will be responsible for the maintenance of the bicycle and
pedestrian facilities and how will they be budgeted?
I.To what extent does the project include steps to calm traffic as outlined in the
attached traffic calming guidelines at Exhibit B.
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Exhibit B
Traffic Calming Guidelines
The following guidelines are not intended to be exhaustive but to give policymakers,the
general public,planners,and designers a general idea of what traffic calming is about.For
example,more detailed guidance and ideas can be found in the publication from The Institute
of Transportation Engineers’(ITE)entitled Traffic Calming:State of the Practice.This defines
traffic calming as “the combination of mainly physical measures that reduce the negative
effects of motor vehicle use,alter driver behavior and improve conditions for non-motorized
street users.”
Suggested road designs that say slow down
1.Design roads that create a subconscious need to slow down.
2.Design roads that incorporate artifacts that encourage people to slow down.
3.Create roadways that make vehicle users feel uncomfortable to speed down residential
roads.
4.Create roadways that have narrow lane width.
5.Add trees,garden plots,sculptures and benches along roadway shoulders to create
calm and visual enjoyment for all users.
6.Add physical design of road signs.
7.Trees,bike lanes,and sidewalks included in designs.
8.Consider alternatives to traffic lights at intersections such as roundabouts to improve
traffic flow and calming.
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Estes Transit:
2022 Year-End Report &
2023 Preview
Transportation
Advisory Board
February 15, 2023
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2022 Ridership Data (Town)
Total Riders % Change
Prior Year
Annual
O&M
Cost per
rider
Route
Deviation
Trips
2022 73,266
# of days 233 27%$608,127*$8.30 1
2021 57,713
# of days 175 205%$368,868 $6.39 8
2020 18,912
# of days 121 -75.5%$198,332 $10.49 1
2019 77,285
# of days 93 -5.8%$395,635 $5.12 0
*We received $361,000 in COVID
stimulus that had to be spent in 2022.
RMNP Hiker Shuttle carried 15,542 in 2022.14
2022 Ridership Data (Bustang)
2019: 1,142 riders (22 per trip)
2020:No service
2021: 1,222 (10 per trip)
2022: 2,473 (15 per trip)
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2022 Sponsorship Program
•$33,600 in financial support from 23 sponsors
•101% increase over 2021
•6 new (or returning) sponsors
o Estes Park News (returning!)
o YMCA (returning!)
o Stanley Underground
o EPNRC
o Explore Estes
o Snowy Peaks Winery
Scot Fest Weekend
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Grant-Funded Projects: Current
1.Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations
Act, CRRSAA
•Federal stimulus; $361,017 award with no local match
•Administration / Operating only (no Capital)
•Funds had to be expended between Jan. 1 –Dec. 31, 2022
•Grant close -out approved by CDOT
2. Second Electric Trolley & Charger
•Trolley arrived in mid-November!
•Leveraged $382,547 in grant funds
•$67,508 local match
•Grant close -out approved by CDOT
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Grant-Funded Projects: Current
3. Trolley Bus Facility Grant
•Design complete
•Currently in the Town permitting process
•Submitted new grant application in Sept. 2022 to cover anticipated
gap in existing construction budget and actual cost
4. Visitor Center Parking Lot Redesign / Mobility Hub
•Design RFP drafted
•Budget: $250,000 ($200,000 SB 267, $50,000 local match)
•PCR approved by CDOT
5. FTA 5311 Administration / Operating
•FY 2022: $51,000 ($44,000 remaining)
•FY 2023: $70,000 (double our original allocation)
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What’s in Store for 2023?
1.Summer service implementation & coordination with RMNP
o Red Route (Trolley) service: May 26 –Oct. 22 (9 am –9 pm)
o Blue, Gold, Brown and Silver Routes: July 1 –Sept. 4 daily; transition
to weekend only through Elk Fest (9 am –9 pm)
o Green Route: July 1 –Elk Fest, weekends only (11 am –4 pm)
o Shared dispatcher with RMNP
o Continuation of YMCA route; reduction to one, larger bus
2.Special Event Service (12 annual events)
3. Bustang will be back!
o May 27 –Oct. 1
o Saturday and Sunday only; 2 buses each day
o No reservation needed (daily or season pass still required)
o New: Marketing sub -group 19
What’s in Store for 2023?
3. Ongoing / Continued Projects
o Trolley #1 retrofit
o Trolley Facility construction
o Jolly Trolley winter/holiday service
o Visitor Center Parking Lot Redesign / Mobility Hub –Design Portion
o Transit Branding Project & Marketing Campaign
4. New Projects
o Multi -Modal Transportation Plan (Town-funded)
▪US 34 Corridor Study
▪Transit Development Plan
o Zero-Emission Fleet Transition Plan
▪Grant application submitted in 2022
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