Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutTransportation Board - Minutes - 05/21/2008MEETING MINUTES of the TRANSPORTATION BOARD May 21, 2008 6:00 p.m. Community Room 215 North Mason Street Fort Collins, CO 80521 FOR REFERENCE: Chair: Gary Thomas 482-7125 Vice Chair: Ed Robert 2244864 Staff Liaison: Mark Jackson 416-2029 Administrative Support: Polly Bennett 224-6058 BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: James Clausen Sara Frazier Bill Jenkins John Lund Kip McCauley Ed Robert Sid Simonson Garry Steen Gary Thomas Scott VanTatenhove ABSENT: Shane Miller CITY STAFF PRESENT: Mark Jackson, Transportation Group Director/Staff Liaison Polly Bennett, Executive Administrative Assistant Kathleen Bracke, Director, Transportation Planning Denise Weston, Senior Transportation Planner David Kemp, Bicycle Coordinator Kristin Kirkpatrick, Transportation Planner Daniel Eybs, Transportation Planning Intern Tyler Bevington, Transportation Planning Intern Emily Francis, Transportation Planning Intern Randy Hensley, Parking Services Manager OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE: Matt Robinalt, Downtown Development Authority Craig Russell, Russell + Mills Studios Paul Mills, Russell + Mills Studios Nancy York John Seyer CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chair Thomas at 6:00 p.m. with a quorum present. 2. AGENDA REVIEW Councilman Troxell requested that Weston & Kemp present the Bike Plan first due to time constraints on his schedule. The Agenda was approved with that change. 3. PUBLIC COMMENT None. DRAFT Regular Meeting Minutes Transportation Board May 21, 2008 Page 2 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES (April 2008) General Growth Properties did not abandon the Foothills Mall redevelopment as rumored in April. They are searching for anchor stores. The April minutes were amended to reflect that announcement. Steen moved to approve the April 2008 Transportation Board meeting minutes as amended. Second by VanTatenhove. The motion carried unanimously. 5. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT Wade Troxell, Council Liaison No report. Mr. Troxell expressed that he was happy to see the Bike Plan brought forward to the Board tonight. 6. DISCUSSION ITEMS a. Downtown Alley & Integrated Walkway Master Plan Project - Robenalt The DDA just began a Public Outreach program for this Master Plan and are seeking the Board's feedback. The Alley/Walkway project idea came forward in the Downtown Strategic Plan. Redesigned alleys are working and create a fantastic urban experience. Trimble Court Artisans doubled their revenue since the alley was revised. Russell +Mills Studios was hired for the project. Russell: There is a level of complexity in converting these alleys. We analyzed the pedestrian linkage alternatives, identified assets, opportunities, and challenges, identified creative solutions for trash and recycling. We are at the recommendations phase. Goals & Objectives: Establish a pedestrian network of alleys and walkways Create design concepts for vibrant alleys/walkways Develop strategies to integrate operational needs Private parking spaces and dumpsters were counted. Areas were ranked according to assets & opportunities and challenges. Primary and secondary connections were identified. Streetscapes that can be improved are being identified. Discussions with trash haulers revealed scenarios and options for containers. Alleys accessed by vehicles present unique challenges — how to get trash trucks and other vehicles in while maintaining a pedestrian orientation? Stormwater is another consideration — move it out, use it in rain gardens, etc. Lighting, artwork, awnings bring a human scale to alleys with multi -story buildings. Sustainable strategies are considered (wind turbines, shade structures). Feedback: Frazier: Be mindful that the pavement is wheelchair assessable. VanTatenhove: Keeping the alleyways safe, have you spoken with the Police about their routes? Russell: When design efforts signify that someone cares about the space, it becomes self -policing. Robenalt: The DDA, in conjunction with Transfort and the museum, hired private security to supplement policing. We are realizing fantastic success with that. VanTatenhove: Are these on current snow removal routes? What is the priority? Jackson: They aren't a priority, but dictated by individual storm conditions. Addressing maintenance responsibilities is important. Robenalt: The City Park Department maintains Tenney Court, but the DDA pays for trash removal. We need to look at long-term maintenance. McCauley: You mentioned wind turbines. Have you looked into doing a pedestrian comfort assessment in these alleys? DRAFT Regular Meeting Minutes Transportation Board May 21, 2008 Page 3 Russell: It is inherent in some of the design we're doing (creating shelter), but we haven't done an actual study. Mills: Part of the enhancement is creating a safe thoroughfare with shelter, sunny spaces, etc. York: I want to reemphasize surface and making it comfortable for wheelchairs. Oak Street Plaza, for instance, creates problems for people in chairs. Mills: That is a very valid point. Simonson: I remember the controversy about how/what the artists are paid to do the artwork. Russell: I am on the APP Board. We instituted getting requests for proposals from students as well as full-time artists. Robert: Is this plan integrated with the River District Plan? Robinalt: The River District Plan has one alley (Poudre Street). Robert Europe often puts directions/street names on the pavers. Russell: We actually discussed Wayfinding the other day. Clausen: Have you studied the residential aspect i.e. the effect on residents? Robinalt: This is spurring discussion about increasing occupancy and increasing residential aspects. Clausen: I'm a delivery driver. Have you considered trucks that sit in alleys. Russell: We are considering pull-outs so trucks don't block the alley. Mills: One-way alleys for vehicles provides more space for pull-out areas. VanTatenhove: Is the trash study going on now? How are you involved in the districting study? Robinalt: My direction is to come up with solutions for trash pick-up and storage of containers regardless of the City's direction toward districting. Russell: Corraling is considered, as is block -by -block pick-up by providers. Johnson: With regard to Fort Zed, have you looked at solar panels for the lighting? Mills: Not within the scope of this project. Good suggestion though. Johnson: Remington parking structure to library/museum would be a good alley to work on. Jenkins: How about crossing the street when you come out of the alley? Mills. The code doesn't allow mid -block crosswalks, but it does allow safe harbors on the medians. It is important to address. Russell: Many of the alleys we are studying do have safe access. ACTION ITEMS a. Downtown River District — Bracke/Robenalt John Seyer of HDR attended. This is the final draft and we are asking for your support as we go forward to Council this summer. DDA provided funding. The goal of the project is to look at the infrastructure of the streets, correct deficiencies, and set the stage for infill and development. The project encompasses Jefferson Street, Lincoln, Willow Street, and Linden from Jefferson to the Poudre River. Design improvements will address: • Streetscape • Traffic circulation, capacity, and safety • Autos, pedestrians, bicyclists • Parking (on and off-street) • Utilities (stormwater, water/waste water, etc.) • Linkages with downtown and surrounding areas • Celebrate the history of the area • Collaborate with UniverCity Connections Brick streets are recommended on the Willow Street section. A roundabout is recommended at Jefferson & Linden that creates a gateway to the district and the Mountain Avenue corridor. DRAFT Regular Meeting Minutes Transportation Board May 21, 2008 Page 4 There is a mill -race along the north side of Willow Street designed to reflect the history of the area. The sidewalk will be 20' at that location. Linden will continue with the same flavor, across Jefferson. Lincoln is a 4-lane arterial out to Mulberry. It was important to get it to work better in its current 2-lane configuration, avoiding a second bridge across the river. Jefferson is a challenge, as it is a state highway and carries local and regional traffic, and is heavy with truck traffic. Recommendation is to reduce Jefferson from 4 lanes to 2 travel lanes and a center left-tum lane. Intersection at Linden will be signalized, but curbs will be pulled out to create a safe environment for pedestrians. Transit connections link the River District to the Mason Corridor and outlying parts of town. It also provides a connection from the parking structures, so people can park and enjoy an evening at the restaurants and theater. Priorities: 1) Build the Linden Street portion. 2) Linden & Willow 3) Willow west of Linden 4) Jefferson/SH 14 5) Will Street east of Linden 6) Lincoln 7) Pine Street/Plaza 8) Poudre Street/Alley What's next? Present to City Council & DDA for final approval in June. Move ahead, look for funding opportunities/partnerships, explore parking strategies. Discussion: Frazier: What is there for reflectivity in the natural areas to balance the activity downtown? Bracke: We are working in the public right-of-way to provide a connection to the river without damaging it. This works with the Poudre River Enhancement Plan. The mill -race brings water into the area. Development can front the river directly between Linden and Lincoln, but not between Linden and College. That was a balancing act and this plan ties it together. Robert: Will this Plan impact a means of alternative truck traffic? Wouldn't it be better to have fewer trucks on Jefferson? Bracke: We assume it stays status quo. There is a lot of industry in the downtown that depends on trucking (i.e. New Belgium, O'Dell's, etc.). Our intent is to accommodate any vehicle, any size. VanTatenhove: Is it cost -prohibitive to create a walkway over Jefferson? Bracke: We are doing overpass/underpass design on the Mason Corridor. You have to start the access to the overpass so far back that it is prohibitive. It could possibly be done with building design, but not in the public right-of-way. Johnson: It is disappointing to look at a parking structure, because it consumes 40% of the budget. A walkway from Cherry is crucial. Bracke: City Code doesn't require parking for commercial use, but public outreach showed that it was desirable. McCauley: Was a roundabout considered at Jefferson & Linden? That intersection is the least desirable feature in the area. Bracke Yes, but a signalized intersection proved to work better. Also, because of the historic buildings, it is difficult to widen the intersection. Jackson: Don't underestimate the effect of the bulb -outs. They are very successful at creating a safe crossing. York: It seems to be a very auto -centric design, which is disappointing. Are brick streets functionally superior to asphalt? Are they wheelchair and bicycle appropriate? Bracke: It isn't that one is better than the other. Brick has the advantage of being sustainable over time in terms of durability. Environmentally, life -cycle wise and with sustainability, it is good. Accessibility is imperative. In terms of being auto -centre, it is pedestrian focused from a design perspective. The sidewalks are 15' wide on the west side, and 20' wide on the east side to provide for the mill -race, restaurant patios, pedestrians, etc. DRAFT Regular Meeting Minutes Transportation Board May 21, 2008 Page 5 Seyer: With the connectivity, this is more than auto -focused. We considered transit, bicycle lane connections (on street? off street?), and pedestrian access. There are two connections to the river on Linden and one on Lincoln. VanTatenhove. What are discussions with the homeless population? Robinalt: Reverend Thibault attended discussions. There is a new day shelter opening in 6 months and the pressure on this area as far as providing those services will shift. Thomas: There is a statement in here that there is adequate parking now. Bracke: That refers to a day-to-day basis. A lot has come online in this area since that was stated. Thomas: Transit needs to play a role in avoiding parking. You have diagonal parking on Willow. I remember the discussion about how horrible diagonal parking was on College. Why here? Bracke: There is a very different environment on Willow, and not nearly the volume. A lot of what shows in the Plan came from public outreach and feedback. The center diagonal came through that vein. ' Thomas: Is there a left -turn coming out of the Aztlan Center? Bracke: That is all striping. It is a question of parking versus access. It doesn't affect the outer width of the street. Thomas: How does the water feature go through the roundabout? Bracke: It is in the sidewalk between Linden and the railroad tracks. It would be piped under if it is extended. Jackson: Will you address the millrace and how it impacts the river? Bracke: The mill -race doesn't pull river water from the river, it circulates treated water. The feature will look nice whether it has water in it or not. Thomas: You have lots of caveat referring to CDOT and the roundabout. What are we agreeing to ... a roundabout? Bracke: You are agreeing to the recommendations. It says in the report that we are committed to working with CDOT to resolve the Jefferson Street problems in a context -sensitive way. As each of these components come forward, they will be presented to the Board. It is important that we demonstrate to CDOT that we have community support. Thomas: Wayne Sundberg assures me that Camp Collins never existed beyond LaPorte, and you refer to it throughout this Plan. Bracke: We did consult with local historians who added to that, but will verify. Lund: The roundabout has a large natural display in the center. How will you mitigate the safety issues if you can't see across it? Seyer What you see is a pretty picture. That doesn't suggest that we would put 12' tall trees in the center. There is a debate as to whether visibility is really an issue. Landscaping would be done to enforce safety. Jenkins: There is controversy based on Glade Reservoir. If the river loses a lot of its flow, do you see that as an issue? Would you still want to enhance the area if the river is severely affected? Bracke: This project is within the public street right-of-way and is unaffected by the river flow. There is still a lot of intrinsic value to enhancing the area. Robinalt: We also have money tied up in the kayak park. We don't know enough about the issues with Glade. There is a move toward development activity in this area. If there were negative impacts from Glade, it would be from the trails accessing the river, not in these projects. Robert: Could we say in our recommendation that we want to be supportive of the Poudre River Enhancement Program? Bracke: It is in the Plan. We are working around that program. VanTatenhove: Are we recommending the basic or the enhanced plan? Bracke: The report combines the two. The costs include the Utility components as well. Jackson: This is, largely, development driven. It won't all be paid by a Downtown River District tax. Bracke: The report speaks to the funding. Market driven as infill occurs. DRAFT Regular Meeting Minutes Transportation Board May 21, 2008 Page 6 Motion: Steen: I move that accept the Downtown River District Plan to Council with comments. Second by Robert. Discussion: Jenkins: I am still concerned that it is overly auto -oriented. How do you get there? Bracke: All of the sidewalks in the area are tied to the District. McCauley: When I ride my bike downtown, I usually go down Mountain. With this, I would take the bike trail. Like it or not, most people get to shops or restaurants by car. It is a necessary evil. VanTatenhove: We haven't discussed the Bohemian Foundation's project several blocks away. Vote: One dissenting vote. Motion carries. b. Bike Plan — Kemp/Weston Update to the 1995 Plan. Now titled "2008 Bicycle Plan" After receiving feedback from the T-Board last year, there was a public outreach process , and three new sections were added as a result: • Economy • Environment • Community Engineering recommendations: Continue implementation of Hot List 1. Pursue implementation of Hot List 11. Identify & implement interim solutions. Continue implementation of MSP. Continue & improve maintenance of Priority Commuter Routes. Improve signal detection loops. Education & Encouragement Recommendations: Maintain and improve existing programs. Propose new, innovative programs & events. Solicit more participation from various demographics. Foster relationship between non -profits, advocacy, and community groups to build public/private partnerships. Enforcement Recommendations: Work closely with Police Services to create innovative, proactive campaigns that foster the safety of bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorists. Bridge the gap of understanding between bicyclists and police offers by providing current and consistent information on bicycling in Fort Collins. Economic Recommendations: Continue to support and encourage infrastructure development, bicycle sporting events, recreational bicycling, and bicycle facilities. Embrace and support the local bicycle culture and use this attribute as a tool to attract employers, businesses, and visitors. Environmental Recommendations: Establish measure methods for environmental benefits of bicycling and provide this information to the public and decision -makers. DRAFT Regular Meeting Minutes Transportation Board May 21, 2008 Page 7 Community Recommendations: Consider the formation of a Bicycle Advisory Committee (BAC) to discuss and plan for multiple facets of bicycling in Fort Collins. Support the development of a strategic plan to pursue the Platinum level designation with the League of American Bicyclists. Support the establishment of performance or evaluation measures for the bicycle program in Fort Collins. Maintain support for existing programs. Improve the communication link between the general public, bicycle organizations, various City departments, and political officials in a combined effort to implement the recommendations in the 2008 Bicycle Plan. Bicycle and Transit Recommendations: Expand opportunities for bicycle -transit linkage Incorporate bicycle parking at transit stops/stations. End -of -Trip Recommendations: Improve and expand bicycle parking throughout the City of Fort Collins Encourage installation of showers and changing facilities at end -of -trip locations. Feedback: Simonson: We are silver on the cusp of gold? What does it take to be Platinum? Kemp: Davis, CA is Platinum and set the cap. Portland, OR is also Platinum. We applied for Gold and it came back as Silver, but we were close. Troxell: What are the standards? Kemp: There are no definitive standards. Safe Routes to School is one good one. Safe bridges is another. Miles of bike lanes, bike routes, paved bike trails, connectivity (north/south) on the Mason Trail will help substantially. Expansion of our park trails is in our favor. Frazier: It seems that the Bike Library is enjoying huge success. Do you have any demographics? Kemp: Yes. We're getting everyone from families, to tourists, to the homeless checking them out. If we see homeless people checking them out week after week, we set them up with a free bike from the Co-op. We have 50 bikes in the library right now. Frazier: Do you also direct people to other City services? Kemp: Good idea. Frazier: Do you involve young people in refurbishing the bikes? Kemp: The fleet is refurbished by the Fort Collins Bike Co-op. People can donate their time and earn a bike. Robert: I want to compliment you and your team. You supported everything in the CityPlan as asked. The census bureau says +/-2400 people in Fort Collins commute on bikes. How many are CSU students? Kemp: I was riding on Loomis yesterday and found myself in a bike posse of 15 bikes. We need a better way to calculate the commuting population. Robert: I would like to see Police Services buy into in the Plan. It would be a positive step toward enforcement. Thomas: I am really behind what you're doing. I like the plan of connectivity. You went from such specificity to parts that seem to ramble. By adopting this, are we beholding Fort Collins to endorse them (i.e. Velodrome, etc.)? Kemp: To support an endeavor doesn't necessarily mean financial support or land, etc. l created a video to help support an effort. From the City's perspective, to support their endeavors on the peripheral. DRAFT Regular Meeting Minutes Transportation Board May 21, 2008 Page 8 Thomas: I was confused by what is our commitment. Weston: Good point to clarify. Add the term "such as..." Troxell: Refer also to other plans. Thomas: I agree with Ed Robert about enforcement. We need to get the PD on board. Troxell: That will be a hot button for Council. Making the community part of enforcement as well. Improving signage, education. Kemp: I'm actually going to defend the Police Department here. They are being very cooperative. It is a matter of education, staffing, and time. Peer influence is also improving. Thomas: You said, "decrease animosity toward the Police." That came across negatively. Weston: We'll change that. Thomas: On parking, you address types of racks but don't present facts. Are we modifying the County standards or just saying we wish we had it. What would a builder use? Weston: They are recommendations above and beyond the Standards. We will make the clarification. Thomas: Bike Advisory Committee. The T-Board is charge with all modes. Is that a duplication? It seems redundant and unnecessary. Kemp: The Transportation Board has always been supportive of bicycling. We are looking for a group to focus on community needs. It would report to the T-Board quarterly and look for recommendations, direction and to have issues sent to Council. Thomas: Personal observation ... I sit on DARTAC (working on transit issues). It feels toothless and doesn't seem legitimate. Frazier: The respectability issue is something we need to encourage through education. Kemp: We are launching the Coexist" campaign. Images and tag lines will promote messages to motorists and cyclists promoting respectability (The Right Hook; The Blinder; The Door Prize, Share the Road). VanTatenhove: Is Downtown Fort Collins the only location the Velodrome Association would consider? Weston: We will generalize that statement. Robert: Chip Steiner (DBA) said he would find a place in the Downtown area. Troxell: We might want to think about expanding the Plan to include personal alternative modes of transportation (i.e. long boards, Segueways). Also, it seems that demonstrating economic health improvement (i.e. component manufacturing/bike manufacturers) would drive us toward Platinum status. Establish a baseline, mention what we already have. Also, highlight the partnership with CSU, ASCSU, UniverCity, Mason Corridor to effect change. Eybs: You mentioned reconstructing intersections, how about changing the ordinance to allow bikers to move through the intersections. Weston: We suggested researching the loops, not rebuilding the intersections. Johnson: Perhaps the group could report to the Board with a plan to reach Platinum level. Weston: Since there isn't a checklist, it would be our recommendation that we reach that level. Motion: Robert I move that we recommend Council adoption of the Bicycle Plan with the modifications discussed tonight. Seconded by Steen. Passed unanimously. 8. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS Simonson: Tested the Mason bus being considered... very nice, wouldn't want to drive one. Came from the Police Awards today... we're fortunate to have them. They are outstanding. McCauley: No report. Lund: No report. VanTatenhove: I won't be at the next meeting because I'm getting married the third week in June. DRAFT Regular Meeting Minutes Transportation Board May 21, 2008 McCauley: No report Page 9 Jenkins: I even got my bike on the bus. Steen: Climate Task Force presented their recommendations to Council last night. Positive reception. See fcgov.com/ctf for details. Robert The bus was fantastic. Will we see other alternatives? (Bracket Yes, we are considering alternatives. We saw one last August... the 40' New Flyer) Frazier: National Association of Interpretation report next month. Thomas: We talked about ajoint meeting with other boards ... no action. CASTA (Colorado Association of Transit Agencies) meeting. Examining Transit options. I'd love to arrange a tour of the new streetcar if you're interested. 9. STAFF REPORTS: Jackson: Transfort is reporting a 20% increase in ridership due to gas prices. Consideration of increasing fixed routes. We would love to have a meeting at Transfort, but they don't have a room large enough to accommodate us. We are dangerously close to being fully staffed! Hired Joe Olson as our new City Traffic Engineer. Joe comes to us from Longmont where he has served as Traffic Engineer for 17 years. Highly regarded, very well respected in the State and region. Denise Weston was promoted to Senior Transportation Planner. Advertising for a new Transportation Planner. Engineering just hired two new engineers. 10. OTHER BUSINESS None. 11. ADJOURN The meeting adjourned at 9:18 p.m. Respectfully submitted, 1.1 11.4l Polly Befib6tt Executive Administrative Assistant Transportation Group Administration