HomeMy WebLinkAboutTransportation Board - Minutes - 11/20/2013MINUTES
of the
CITY OF FORT COLLINS
TRANSPORTATION BOARD
November 20, 2013
6:00 p.m.
281 North College Avenue, Conference Room “A”
Fort Collins, CO 80521
FOR REFERENCE:
Chair: Garry Steen 420.7557
Vice Chair: Mary Atchison 217.9213
Staff Liaison: Mark Jackson 416.2029
Administrative Support: Polly Bennett 221.6601
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: CITY STAFF PRESENT:
Garry Steen, Chair Mark Jackson, Deputy Director, PDT, 416.2029
Mary Atchison, Vice Chair Polly Bennett, PDT Executive Administrative Assistant, 221.6601
Olga Duvall Paul Sizemore, FC Moves Manager, 224.6140
Eric Shenk Aaron Iverson, Senior Transportation Planner, 416.2643
Pat Jordan Bruce Hendee, Assistant City Manager, Sustainability Services,
Sid Simonson 416.2332
Kevin O’Toole Kyle Lambrecht, Civil Engineer II, 221.6566
Sara Frazier Dean Klingner, Engineering & Capital Projects Manager, 221.6511
Lucinda Smith, Director, Environmental Services, 224.6085
Tessa Greegor, Bicycle Program Coordinator, 416.2471
Steve Catanach, Light & Power Operations Manager, 416.2622
John Phelan, Energy Services Manager, 416.2539
ABSENT: OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE:
Clint Skutchan Sylvia Cranmer, BAC Chair, 493.5277
Councilmember Ross Cunniff Ana Arias, Public Relations Coordinator, Sustainability Services,
221.6264
Dale Adamy, Citizen
Amy Sasick, Citizen
Robert Sasick, Citizen
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Steen called the meeting to order at 6:01p with a quorum.
2. AGENDA REVIEW
The agenda was approved as written.
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November 20, 2013
3. PUBLIC COMMENT
Amy Sasick, citizen. Interested in the Master Street Plan Amendments. They own property and a
business near the El Palomino Motel.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Atchison moved to accept the October 2013 Board minutes as written. Jordan seconded. The
minutes were approved unanimously.
5. COUNCIL LIAISON
Councilmember Cunniff was unable to attend.
6. BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE SPECIAL REPORT - Sylvia Cranmer, Chair
Cranmer spoke on behalf of the Bicycle Advisory Committee (BAC) about the “Stop as Yield”
issue. The BAC was tasked with doing research on the “Stop as Yield” issue in the event that it
goes before Council.
Background:
“Stop as Yield” allows people on bicycles the legal right to yield at stop signs after following the
applicable right of way rules at an intersection. Some jurisdictions have further modified their
traffic code to allow people on bicycles the legal right to treat signalized intersections as stop
signs, or in some cases, yield signs. Summit County, Breckenridge, Dillon, Aspen and Boise,
Idaho have implemented it. The BAC was considering Stop as Yield only as it applies to stop
signs, not yield signs.
Tessa Greegor did an in-depth review of the issue and decided it was worthwhile to pursue. Input
was solicited from the State Patrol, American League of Bicyclists, Bicycle Colorado, City of
Fort Collins Police, the City Traffic Operations Department and other public stakeholders. The
input was synthesized into one document. There was nothing discovered that was out of the
ordinary. The concerns individually are significant, although none are insurmountable.
Collectively, they do present a strong case not to pursue “Stop as Yield.” The BAC, after careful
consideration decided not to pursue implementation of “Stop as Yield” at this time.
O’Toole: What was the general feedback from the public and the Police Department?
Cranmer: Lieutenant Trombley (explaining that he, himself, is a cyclist) said the Police aren’t
strongly opposed to it, but do have concerns. The public seemed balanced on both sides of the
issue.
Atchison: I support the BAC’s decision. The conflict it could raise regarding transportation in
general is not worth the risk.
7. ACTION ITEMS
A. Master Street Plan Amendments – Paul Sizemore & Aaron Iverson
There are two proposed Master Street Plan Amendments tonight.
1) The offset intersection of College Avenue at Conifer Street. College Avenue is a 4-lane
arterial. Hickory and Conifer are 2-lane collectors at an off-set “T” configuration. Conifer
is proposed to curve out of its current configuration and connect with Hickory. The
property across Conifer to the north of Jax is proposed for development, although the
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November 20, 2013
realignment of Conifer runs through it. Analysis was done using six evaluation criteria
traffic operations, regional connectivity, historic resources, real estate land use and
funding, access control, and a triple bottom line analysis.
Four possible alternatives were developed:
A) Do not amend the plan.
B) Amend the plan to eliminate the realignment and leave the intersection as-is.
C) Amend the plan to realign Hickory rather than Conifer.
D) Amend the plan, extend Conifer to the new Mason.
The preferred alternative is to amend the Master Street Plan to eliminate the realignment
of Hickory Street and Conifer Street.
Atchison: The new Mason would continue to be in the Plan?
Sizemore: That is correct.
Sizemore: The North Fort Collins Business Association was in favor of eliminating the
realignment.
Jordan moved that the Transportation Board accept the Staff recommendation. O’Toole
seconded. The vote was unanimous.
Chair Steen will write a letter of support to Council.
2) Map clarification of location of the collector street between Mulberry Street and Prospect
Road east of I-25. This amendment involves moving the collector from Sunchase Drive
to Carriage Parkway. Sunchase is a residential street. Carriage Parkway was built as and
functions as the collector. The amendment will make the map a true representation of
what is actually happening in the area. Carriage Parkway was built with the eventual
extension already stubbed out.
The preferred alternative is to amend the Master Street Plan to move the north/south
collector between Mulberry and Prospect from Sunchase Drive to Carriage Parkway.
Atchison moved that the Transportation Board accept the Staff recommendation. Jordan
seconded. The vote was unanimous.
Chair Steen will write a letter of support to Council.
8. DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. Sustainability Services – Bruce Hendee, Assistant City Manager, Sustainability Services
Hendee presented an overview of Sustainability Services. Sustainability Services is focused
on the Triple Bottom Line including environmental, economic, and social sustainability.
Vision: We exist because our world-class community deserves enduring health, happiness,
and vitality.
Mission: We provide exceptional services and resources to help people understand and
practice sustainability.
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November 20, 2013
Values: Service, dedication, creativity, and intelligence.
Major project initiatives:
Road to Zero Waste
• Cardboard ban
• Integrated recycling facility
• Waste reduction in apartment complexes
• Enviro web portal
The Climate Action Plan is a good representation of our work. Carbon reduction includes
vehicles, buildings, treatment plants, etc. We began tracking our carbon output as a
community in 2005. Retail sales help us evaluate how we are doing based on the economy.
Our population has increased by 13% but our carbon output has decreased.
Waste diversion includes daily waste from businesses, residences, and construction (both
deconstruction and new construction).
The Net Zero Cities conference we hosted in October was focused on getting to net zero
(reducing carbon to zero). Alternative transportation was the focus of this year’s conference.
One of the strategies was to get regional cooperation. 15 countries were represented. Next
year’s conference will be in Boulder in 2014.
Triple Bottom Line Analysis Mapping gives us a proactive way to manage the evaluation.
Council is now requiring all major projects to go through Triple Bottom Line Analysis
Mapping.
Environmental Services
The Green Building Roadmap evaluates our buildings and neighborhood impacts. The
Midtown Plan is designed to reduce energy expenditures and encourage highly efficient
building and transit facilities.
Energy Policy/Greenhouse Gas Alignment is working to develop more aggressive goals.
FortZED (zero energy district)
Downtown and Colorado State University main campus comprise FortZED. Together they
generate 80 MW. The goal is 15 MW by 2020. Major projects are designed to reduce our
dependence on fossil fuels. Renewable energy, smart grid, energy conservation and
efficiency, and energy storage and load management.
Economic Health - Woodward, Foothills Mall
Drive Electric Northern Colorado - fastest charging station in Colorado.
Social Sustainability – affordable housing, local food production, urban agriculture, poverty,
early childcare
Social Sustainability – early GAP analysis looks at issues facing our community.
• 8,800 rental households cannot afford the rent
• 28% homeowners pay 30% plus of monthly income for housing
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November 20, 2013
• 27,000 residents are in poverty
• 55% of people below poverty level are employed (below $23,500 for a family of
four)
Next they will look at who provides needed services and how the City of Fort Collins fits in.
2014 Goal: Develop a Community Sustainability Strategic Plan, Social Sustainability Plan
Frazier: Expressed a concern of infill leading to a loss of culture/geography and being able
to “see.” This has weighed heavily on the development of our community. It feels like we are
becoming a commercial canyon.
Hendee: Nature in the City is a new program looking at the natural areas from a habitat and
experiential and visual perspective. This is a joint project between Social Sustainability and
PDT.
B. North College Improvements Project Conifer to Willox – Kyle Lambrecht, Civil
Engineer II, Capital Projects Division of Engineering
Lambrecht: Existing corridor improvements run from Jefferson Street to Conifer and Willox
to the city limits right now. The next phase from Conifer to Willox is under design. It will be
an extension of the Vine to Conifer project. It will eliminate or consolidate driveways where
possible, improve pavement/upgrade utilities, improve the “Urban Character” of the area.
Raised, landscaped medians will be included, which were not part of the section from Vine to
Conifer. It will change access to businesses, so sections of a west rear access road will be
improved.
Existing conditions are dismal and unsafe. On-street bike lanes will be included, as well as
safe pedestrian paths, art in public places and extensive landscaping. Within the medians,
there will be a double curb and a focus on landscaping with an informal pattern and repeated
groupings. A temporary, “snaking” 24’ wide road from Hickory to just south of the mobile
home park will give access to businesses. This will also accommodate future development,
but isn’t a set design. It can be moved if future development goes in a different direction than
expected.
November 2013 – design and right-of-way acquisition
Spring 2014 – utility relocations begin
Summer 2014 – construction begins (anticipated) although this does involve federal money
so that could vary.
Funding: Overall project budget $12 million includes design, right-of-way acquisition, and
construction (57% federal dollars, 43% local dollars).
Jackson: $4.3 million dollars was allocated by Council to complete this project. $3 million
will be repaid through a RAMP grant.
Atchison: How long will construction last?
Lambrecht: Roughly through the 2015 construction season because of traffic
accommodations. Because this is a truck route, we can’t close it for construction.
Klingner: There is a delicate balance because of the hardship on businesses.
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November 20, 2013
Atchison: What is the plan for the trailer park if the rear road gets extended to Willox?
Lambrecht: It would happen with development. We really don’t want to go there until
necessary.
Klingner: We’re jumping the gun for development with the rear road.
C. Community Greenhouse Gas Goals and Energy Policy – Lucinda Smith, Director of
Environmental Services, John Phelan, Energy Services Manager, Steve Catanach, Light
& Power Operations Manager
Background on Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Goals/energy policy, alignment of GHG goal and
energy policy.
Community Greenhouse Gas Goals: 20% reduction below 2005 levels by 2020, 80% below
by 2050.
Energy Policy: Focus on reliability, efficiency and conservation, renewable energy,
partnership.
Annual reports for both Policies are available online.
Greenhouse Gas/carbon reductions are happening in spite of population growth. Energy
Policy programs showed a $20 million annual benefit in 2012.
Quality of Life is affected by Greenhouse Gas emissions: 26% of Fort Collins households
have one member who suffers from respiratory problems. Visibility impacts are also evident.
Why are we here?
• Scientific findings increase need for urgent action.
• Advancing technology and opportunities (smart meters)
• Energy Policy – 5 year update
• Other planning initiative (Road to Zero Waste, Green Building Roadmap update,
climate adaptation, FortZED, etc.)
The Energy Board covers electricity, natural gas, transportation fuels (92% of CO2)
Considering three alternatives:
Alternative “A” Keep current goal of 80% below 2005 baseline by 2050
Alternative “B” Increase magnitude to 100% below 2005 baseline by 2050
Alternative “C” Accelerate timeframe to 80% below 2005 baseline by 2030
Council will see these goals early in January at a Work Session.
Energy Policy Review:
Built Environment
Energy Supply and Distribution
Transportation
Platte River Power Authority is part of the reduction scenario goal discussion.
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November 20, 2013
Key Issues:
1. Order and alignment
• Goal followed by plan
• Plan determines goal
• Simultaneous goal setting/planning
• Increase confidence and decrease risk
2. Integrate Platte River Power Authority into goal evaluation analysis
3. GHG goals under consideration are all challenging
• Ambitious short-term implementation
Frazier: It will be interesting to see how the Mason Corridor/MAX will affect this. There
will be people questioning the viability of the Mason Corridor, so this is an important
partnership.
Jackson: There were calculated figures included in the application for federal funding, but
the proof is in the pudding.
O’Toole: I support the alignment. It seems premature to assess goals that are so far down the
road. We need more experience to see if we need dramatic changes. I’m studying Smart
Growth and it seems that Land Use and walkable communities make the task easier. It
requires getting people to think differently.
Steen: You mentioned working with other Boards. Are you including the Planning & Zoning
Board?
Phelan: We haven’t yet. It is a good point to include them.
Steen: Multi-modal will have an impact. We need to consider how we incentivize people to
get them out of their single occupancy vehicles.
Jackson: There is a strong opportunity to move the Transportation piece forward in 2014 for
2015/2016 budgeting. If Council hears from both the Transportation Board and the
community it will buttress the argument.
Catanach: I’m working on a committee that is working on a BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious
Goal) to “get Judy to the airport” in a clean, efficient, economically affordable way.
9. REPORTS
A. STAFF LIAISON REPORT – Mark Jackson
It’s going to snow tonight. Streets applied liquid deicer to the streets this afternoon.
December Agenda (Meeting will be at Transfort on Portner Road):
Discussion Items:
• Lincoln Corridor Plan Final Recommendation Amy Lewin & Pete Wray ............ 30 min
• Transfort tour and discussion Kurt Ravenschlag .................... as needed
Larry Schneider wants to host us at Streets in January or February. We will meet in their Storm
Center.
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November 20, 2013
There is a Boards and Commissions Community Conversation: Wednesday, December 11, 3 –
5p. If you plan to attend, please let Polly know so she can post a notice if we have more than two
Board members attending. The purpose is to gather input and feedback for strategic planning that
is efficient and effective. This is a conversation to share your thoughts on what should be the
City’s top priorities during the next three to five years.
Jackson handed out an internal staff exercise BOB2 Prioritized Projects List. There will be a
Council Work Session on this in December. They will also discuss the quarter-cent Street
Maintenance Tax that is expiring.
B. BOARD REPORTS
Jordan: The man from First Transit spoke to everyone where she lives. He doesn’t seem to be
able to handle what he is supposed to provide.
O’Toole: I am highly impressed with the professionalism of City staff. In our goals we have
reducing vehicle miles traveled, but I don’t know that there is any way to actually track it. It
would be good to have metrics. Jackson will check what is being done by the MPO. Transit
ridership and bike/pedestrian share would be good indicators.
Frazier: What’s the state of the workings between CSU and the City? Jackson: On a staff level,
our working relationship is better than ever. They are in conversation with Transfort about
increased service and an internal shuttle.
Atchison: Monday night the Social Sustainability Department sponsored a focus group for
Boards and Commissions. They gave a preliminary view of their Gaps analysis. There was a
good turnout and Transportation rose to the top as a critical need.
Duvall: I agree with Mary, it was a good meeting. Every discussion group came out with
Transportation as a gap. It was unanimous. The new navigation routing system being tried on the
buses is great. It announces intersections and upcoming stops. It reminds people where they are
and I think it’s great.
Steen: Mary and I will attend the meeting of four Boards on Monday. December 5
th
I will
participate on an informational panel discussion on MAX with the League of Women Voters that
will be televised on Channel 14 at 7p.
10. OTHER BUSINESS
None
11. ADJOURN
The meeting concluded at 9:02p.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________________
Polly Bennett
Executive Administrative Assistant
Planning, Development, & Transportation Service Area