HomeMy WebLinkAboutPACKET Transportation Advisory Board 2023-11-1511/9/2023
TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY BOARD November 15, 2023 12:00 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING Town Hall | Board Room
AGENDA
In-Person Meeting | Board, Staff, and Public
12:00 pm Public Comment (packet)
12:05 pm Trustee Liaison Update Trustee Martchink
12:10 pm Approval of Minutes dated October 18, 2023 (packet)
12:15 pm Mobility Services Update Manager Solesbee
12:25 pm Transportation Plan Update Manager Solesbee
12:35 pm 2023 Paid Parking Program Year-End Results (packet) Supervisor Klein
12:55 pm Engineering Update Engineer Bailey
1:15 pm Administrative Update Director Muhonen
1:35 pm TAB Meeting Time Discussion Chair Morris
1:45 pm Other Business
Adjourn
Town of Estes Park, Larimer County, Colorado, October 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
October, 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 Ferko, Gamble, Igel, and Slack; Director Muhonen;
Manager Solesbee; Supervisor Klein; Recording Secretary McDonald;
Jennifer Waters, Public Works Engineer; Paul Hornbeck, Community
Development; Gina Fox, Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT);
Anthony Pratt, Kimley-Horn & Associates; Colleen DePasquale, Estes
Chamber of Commerce
Absent: Vice-Chair Ekeren, Member Bernal, Member Finley, Member Hanick
Chair Morris called the meeting to order at 12:07 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Chair Morris summarized the emailed public comment that was included in the packet,
which requests improvements at the CO 7 and Lexington Lane intersection.
Member Igel reported on public comments provided to him by his business customers
and fellow downtown business owners. Comments included that UPS services downtown
are being compromised due to poor planning and communication; that Estes Park has
changed so much in 40 years that it is no longer “nice” and feels more “like a city” now,
especially due to paid parking; and that Cleave Street development is not happening
according to what business owners were told by the Town. Manager Solesbee advised
that dialogue is currently happening with certain business owners regarding UPS delivery
challenges.
TRUSTEE LIAISON UPDATE
Trustee Martchink reported that an overview of the 2024 National Community Survey
would be presented at the October 24 Town Board meeting. TAB members were
encouraged to attend.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES DATED SEPTEMBER 20, 2023
It was moved and seconded (Slack/Gamble) to approve the September 20, 2023,
minutes with minor amendments, and it passed. Member Ferko abstained due to
absence from the September 20 meeting.
Transportation Advisory Board – October 18, 2023 – Page 2
NAAPME OPPORTUNITY FOR MORAINE AVENUE TRAIL; US 34 & US 36 OVERLAY
PAVING
Gina Fox (CDOT R4 North Program) walked through her first presentation, “CDOT’s
Proposed and Upcoming Projects for US 34 and US 36.” Final Office Review (FOR) plans
for overlay are due October 31, with advertising to begin November 30 and the overlay
planned for June 1-September 1, 2024, during the warmer months. The scope of the
resurfacing project includes curb ramp repairs; ADA repairs; overall bicycle and
pedestrian safety considerations; and retaining wall construction along the Big Thompson
River west of Fun City, which is planned for February through May 15, 2024. The overlay
has a 20-year life expectancy.
Presenter Fox then explained the Nonattainment Area Air Pollution Mitigation Enterprise
(NAAPME) funds opportunity for the Moraine Avenue trail. She applied for $12m but has
not received an official follow-up. Member Ferko, a NAAPME Board Member, advised
that Estes Park is not in a nonattainment area and may not be eligible for NAAPME
funding. Resident engineers for local agencies can apply for Congestion Mitigation and
Air Quality (CMAQ) funds.
Discussion points for both presentations included the need for communication regarding
the overlay project’s impact on traffic control for Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP)
and status of the floodplain submittal; the general inconvenience of CDOT adding to the
major construction projects already underway in the downtown artery, especially without
addressing other improvements that could encourage non-car transit; the preference for
night work in June and July to expedite the project; the deterioration of the US 34 bike
path; and how the TAB can promote Estes Park’s eligibility for Moraine Avenue trail
improvement funding.
CONSULTANT UPDATE ON MULTIMODAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN & TRANSIT
DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Manager Solesbee introduced consultant Anthony Pratt (Kimley-Horn and Associates)
and provided some context for this agenda item. The Multimodal Transportation Plan
(MTP) and Transit Development Plan (TDP) are separate plans on parallel development
and contracted through Kimley-Horn and Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates; overall
project planning should take 12 months and result in considerations for the 2025 Town
budget. With a 20-year outlook, the MTP is intended to build off transportation mode
strategies detailed in the Estes Forward comprehensive plan; the TDP is a five-year plan
to examine transit ridership, routes and service types, and technology methods. The
Steering Committee is in place, and the TAB is needed to provide input early in the
community outreach phase. Community engagement opportunities will take place now
through spring, with the draft plan expected in mid-summer 2024.
Presenter Pratt explained how the overall purpose of the MTP and TDP is captured in the
simplified project title of Estes Park 2045 Transportation Plan (EPTP). The term
“multimodal” in the title was indefinitely set aside in favor of using “for all modes, ages,
and abilities” in the tagline. An overview of the new project webpage highlighted the
multilingual features in development, and the issue mapping survey tool was
Transportation Advisory Board – October 18, 2023 – Page 3
demonstrated; TAB members were given a promotional EPTP postcard with the survey
QR-code and asked to beta test the draft website and mapping tool before it goes
completely public. Survey results will be printed and posted online in English and Spanish.
Discussion points included suggestions for additional marker/comment types on the
mapping survey (“accessibility” and “big ideas”); adding the survey URL to the postcard;
considering the use of circles or wheels on the project webpage to reflect the plan’s
connectivity nature; how survey comments pertaining to county ownership would be
communicated to Larimer County; whether TAB members were opposed to the decision
to drop “multimodal” from the plan title; and project outreach events currently being
planned. Manager Solesbee invited members to email her if they learn of any community
events that would be appropriate opportunities for public engagement on the EPTP.
TAB MEETING TIME DISCUSSION
It was requested that this item be moved up from the official agenda time.
Chair Morris summarized the September 20 discussion of the TAB meeting time,
explaining that establishing a morning time frame had been agreed upon because it might
better accommodate the schedules of business owners.
Discussion points included the difficulty for many members and the general public in
attending the current midday meeting time; the basic pros and cons of an evening or
weekend meeting time; whether more attention could be drawn to the public comment
form on the website (Recording Secretary McDonald will add the form to the actual TAB
webpage); and why hybrid meetings (live with virtual option) are not offered. Director
Muhonen advised that the Town Board sets the meeting format protocol for Town boards
and committees, but that it may be possible for Town executive leadership to reopen the
discussion.
It was agreed that TAB members would be surveyed via email for their meeting time
preference.
PAID PARKING PROGRAM DISCUSSION
Supervisor Klein reported that the paid parking season closes on October 22, with signs
scheduled for removal on October 23. The parking structure has been full every weekend
in September and October, with “game-day” traffic demanding police and traffic control
staff. Complete utilization data will be processed and presented to the TAB on November
15.
Manager Solesbee explained that staff is seeking Town Board approval to amend the
reporting time frame for decisions to be made about the paid parking season. Now that
the Town’s fall events are essentially extending the peak season through late October, it
is no longer realistic to adequately analyze the paid parking season data, engage the
stakeholders, and propose meaningful changes for the following paid parking season by
December 31. Therefore, a March 1 reporting time for decisions will be proposed. It was
agreed that extending the decision-making period was beneficial because addressing
Transportation Advisory Board – October 18, 2023 – Page 4
issues with the “one size fits all” approach for a parking season can be ineffective policy
when only “problem segments” occurring within a particular season need to be
addressed.
MOBILITY SERVICES
Due to time considerations, Manager Solesbee forfeited this agenda item but reported
that she just finished writing the request for proposals (RFP) for the Big Horn parking
structure design.
ENGINEERING & ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES
Director Muhonen reported the Downtown Estes Loop (DEL) traffic pattern change. The
night work permit for Flatiron Constructors, Inc. (FCI) has been extended through
Memorial Day 2024. The Post Office retains 10 spaces on the lot’s west side for postal
carriers, but office customers must park in the Riverside lot. Public Works is in dialogue
with the postmaster regarding the offer to remove snow and create other
accommodations for patrons to navigate to the entrance. Repaving work on East
Riverside Drive and East Elkhorn Avenue should be complete before the downtown
Halloween event.
Traffic flow is smooth at the new US 36/Community Drive Roundabout (CDRBT). The
guard rail was incorrectly installed and will be fixed. Some signs will be relocated for better
visibility, and the street light poles are expected in late December. Landscaping work will
be completed by Memorial Day 2024. The new ranch water station opened near the ball
fields on Community Drive.
The Estes Park Sanitation District (EPSD) completed its infrastructure work for the Cleave
Street Improvements (CSI) and will add all-weather material on the trenches. The Town’s
Power & Communications Department has delayed their relocation project until early
December, and Engineer Bailey is confirming the time frame for underground utilities
relocation.
The US 34 Coalition met October 5 to hear about the US 34 Transportation Management
Organization (TMO) development progress. The TMO will be composed of private and
public members focused on the future of transportation options between Kersey and
Estes Park; Manager Solesbee will serve on the TMO Selection Committee. With CDOT
grant funding now in place, the RFP can be issued soon and the consultant selected by
January.
Discussion topics for all projects included the lack of adequate parking spaces for Post
Office customers, particularly for the Christmas season; the efficacy of FCI hearing public
comments about Post Office parking issues at the October 3 DEL Public Meeting; the
expectation of strong business participation for the October 31 Halloween event; and
whether increased signage or a flashing light at the new roundabout could encourage
some drivers to slow down. It was agreed that traffic behavior at the roundabout would
be better monitored after the permanent street lights are installed.
Transportation Advisory Board – October 18, 2023 – Page 5
OTHER BUSINESS
There was brief discussion about how to secure the funding needed for the Moraine
Avenue trail improvements since NAAPME may not be possible.
There being no further business, Chair Morris adjourned the meeting at 2:17 p.m.
Lani McDonald, Recording Secretary
Seasonal Paid Parking Program:
2023 Year-End Results
Dana Klein, CPP, CCTM
Parking & Transit Supervisor
Town Board
Study Session
November 28, 2023
Presentation Overview
1.Current Program Overview
2.2023 Program Results
•Operations
•Data
•Financial Performance
•Customer & Community Input
•Key Takeaways
3.Next Steps / Q&A
Current Program
Overview
1.Support the Town’s business districts by
making parking available and by
encouraging economic development.
2.Maintain adequate turnover of Town-
controlled parking spaces.
3.Encourage an adequate amount of parking
availability for a variety of parking users.
•Efficient use of perimeter parking locations
•Enhanced use of the Town’s free shuttle
system and other transportation alternatives
4.Reduce congestion in travel lanes caused
by drivers seeking available parking.
* Defined in EPMC Ordinance 30-19
Paid Parking
Program Goals*
Dates:
•150 days
•May 26 – October 22, 2023 (daily)
Paid Parking Locations:
•Town Hall (224 paid stalls)
•Bond Park (73)*
•E. Riverside (41)
•Riverside (91)
•Wiest (132)
•Post Office (86)**
•Virginia (19)
•Tregent (16)
Hours:
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
69%
31%
Percentage of Total Supply:
Free vs. Paid
Free Paid
2023 Program
* Impacted by special events – 9 during season
** Impacted by DEL project – stall counts varied
67%
33%
Percentage of Downtown Supply:
Free vs. Paid
Paid Free
Total paid stalls: 682
Total free stalls: 340
Total stalls: 1,022
2023 Program
Results
2023 Operational Focus:
Communications
•40-row spreadsheet of strategies to help
residents and guests know what to expect
Parking Structure banners
Community presentations
Utility bill mailer
Library partnership
•Transitioned pay stations to push/pull credit card
readers in high-traffic areas
•Increased non-enforcement parking field team;
transitioned to warnings only on Oct. weekdays
•Updated payment signage to focus on text2pay
PARKING STRUCTURE OCCUPANCY UP 42% OVER 2019
PEAK
OCCUPANCY:
PAID LOTS
Season Average:
2021 – 91%
2022 – 92%
2023 – 93.5%
2023 Results – Data (Peak Occupancy)
Key Definitions:
•Occupancy: Vehicles parked divided by the total number of stalls available.
•Peak Occupancy: Average of daily peak demand during the observation period (10am-5pm, 150 days).
•Average Occupancy: Average of daily occupancy during the observation period (10am-5pm daily over 150 days).
Season Average:
2021 – 79%
2022 – 78%
2023 – 78%
PEAK
OCCUPANCY:
FREE LOTS
2023 Results – Data (Peak Occupancy)
Sat 9/2/2023
Sun 9/3/2023
Mon 9/4/2023
Sat 9/16/2023
Fri 9/22/2023
Sat 9/23/2023
Sun 9/24/2023
Sat 9/30/2023
Sun 10/1/2023
Sat 10/7/2023
Garage Full / 90%
2023 Results – Data (Peak Occupancy)
PEAK
OCCUPANCY:
PAID LOTS
(Mon-Thurs
only)
PARKING STRUCTURE OCCUPANCY UP 42% OVER 2019
PEAK
OCCUPANCY:
FREE LOTS
(Mon-Thurs
only)
2023 Results – Data (Peak Occupancy)
PARKING STRUCTURE OCCUPANCY UP 42% OVER 2019
PEAK
OCCUPANCY:
PAID LOTS
(Fri, Sat, Sun)
**********
Bond Park Event
Closures: 9
2023 Results – Data (Peak Occupancy)
PARKING STRUCTURE OCCUPANCY UP 42% OVER 2019
PEAK
OCCUPANCY:
FREE LOTS
(Fri, Sat, Sun)
2023 Results – Data (Peak Occupancy)
2021 PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
LENGTH OF STAY
(DURATION)
70% PAID
FOR 2 HOURS
OR LESS
2023 Results – Data (Turnover & Permits)
In 2023, permitted
parkers occupied
approximately
15-18%of total
downtown supply.
Average of
195 out of 1,305
available spaces
were occupied by
permit holders.
1 hr.
2 hrs.
3 hrs.
2021 PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTSBudgeted Revenue
Actual Revenue
*Paid parking fees only
Budgeted Expenses
Actual Expenses
Net Revenue**
BUDGET
VS.
ACTUALS
2022*
$771,105.00
$850,031.72
$499,875.00
$462,891.76
$387,140.96
2023**
$775,125
$808,582
$490,000
$337,798
$470,784
*2022 includes one less hour of revenue, full Bond Park event schedule and fewer revenue stalls at Post Office.
**2023 includes full Bond Park event schedule, significantly fewer revenue stalls at Post Office.
Community & Customer Input
Feedback trending more positive
2023 Opportunities
●Parking Revenue Task Force
●Presentations to Chamber Councils (Downtown/Retail, Lodging), Daybreak
Rotary, LWV, CSOs, Visitor Center Ambassadors, Estes Car Club
●All materials translated into Spanish
●Park-n-Walk Challenge (100 participants); partnership with NFRMPO’s
“Shift Your Ride” campaign
●Outreach to lodging partners – material drop-off throughout summer
●New Library partnership**
●Annual permit survey**
Library Partnership
●Multi-pronged approach, including:
○Library staff training
○Integration of library card sign-up/renewal
and Local Permit registration
○Coordination on library program timing,
location(s)
○Library board member and staff
involvement
○Library staff were actively involved in the
Park-n-Walk challenge
2023 Highlight: Library Partnership
Thank You!
●812 responses (up 7% over 2022)
●90% of respondents have the Local Permit
●45% registered online; 42% no action/auto-renew
●Permit registration experience: 86.5% very positive/positive, 10%
neutral/no comment
○Those who answered negative/very negative commented about the
program in general, said they wanted proof of their permit or got a
ticket by mistake
●Customer service rating: 65% did not have an interaction; 33%
outstanding/above average; 2% no opinion
2023 Highlight: Annual Permit Survey
Key Takeaways
•It was a summer of constant change. Our field team did a great job of rolling
with the adjustments, answering tough questions and trying to help.
•Guests and residents are learning the system. Our customer service interactions
are trending much more positive/neutral and payment compliance is up.
•The current program was generally adequate (near 80%) on the weekdays (Mon-
Thurs); however most parking areas (paid and free) are consistently full on the
weekend, with occupancies at or near 100%.
•The program began to break down in the early fall months, specifically on Bond
Park event days in late August, September and early October. The parking
structure filled more days and for longer periods of time. Beautiful fall weather
for a second year also contributed.
•Ridership on The Peak was up dramatically this summer, especially on the Red
Route (downtown trolley).
Next Steps / Q&A
1.2024 Paid Parking Program
2.Town Board Regular Meeting & Public Hearing – December 12
•Minor update to Estes Park Municipal Code, extending the decision date
for the upcoming year’s program from Dec. 31 to March 15
3.Board Q & A