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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012 - Transportation Board - Annual ReportGarry W. Steen, Chair Transportation Board 2012 Annual Report The goal of the Transportation Board is to promote the implementation of a balanced transportation system that is consistent with the City environmental goals and provides choice, mobility, access, congestion mitigation and safety for all people while achieving: 1. Efficient and Effective movement of people and goods throughout the community; 2. A reduction in the rate of Vehicle Miles Traveled growth to equal the rate of population growth; and 3. Enhanced mobility through emphasis of modal shifts. The Transportation Board met on 11 regularly scheduled monthly meetings during 2012. One meeting was canceled due to a holiday conflict. The following topics were addressed: Additional funding for all aspects of transportation: The discussion continues to develop ongoing funding sources for transportation, even though the passage of the 2B issue in 2010, also known as Keep Fort Collins Great initiative, has relieved the underfunding problem for pavement management, deficient bridges, transit, and related programs. The Transportation Board continues to recommend to Council the need to develop sustainable funding sources for transportation as a critical issue, especially as funding sources such as Building on Basics and Pavement Management Tax are ending in the near future. Also addressed by the Board were the following topics: • CDOT Record of Decision on the North I-25 EIS • Introduction of the Harmony Road Enhanced Travel Corridor (Final Adoption due June 2013) • Bicycle Advisory Committee Role & Direction as a subcommittee to the Transportation Board • Vine & Shields Intersection Improvement with recommendation to Council for a Roundabout • Jefferson Street Project with recommendation to Council for a signalized intersection • Review of proposed Parking Plan for Board input before a formal recommendation was crafted • Update on the Bike Library and the Alternatives Analysis Study for bike sharing • Comprehensive review of the Street Maintenance Program by the Streets Department • Traffic Safety & Enforcement discussion with Chief Hutto and Captain Szakmeister • TRANSFORT Fare Policy alternatives, with recommendation to Council for no changes at present, and a free fare introductory period when MAX operation begins • Public comment received regarding the Jefferson Street Project and TRANSFORT hours of operation and portions of the city not currently served • Bicycle Advisory Committee recommendations to the Board regarding funding, the Bicycle Library and the Trail Study for pedestrians & bicycle activity • Budgeting For Outcomes process update for transportation related ‘offers’ and priorities • Funding for transportation is an on-going serious concern as mentioned above • Planned Development Overlay District (PDOD) pilot program concept was presented and recommended to Council for approval • Updates on the CDOT progress with Phase planning for the I-25 EIS • Turnberry Road Project and goals were reviewed to improve safety and traffic flow • North College Avenue Improvement Project was reviewed (Conifer/Hickory to Willox) • Review of the 2012 Green Streets Initiative for sustainable and alternative street designs • Bike Library Alternatives Analysis regarding differences with the Bike Library and automated bike sharing systems • Update on the Harmony Road Enhanced Travel Corridor study and alternatives possible • Public comment received regarding the proposed Parking Plan, the excellent work and depth of the plan, and hopeful expansion to all modes of mobility • Capital Improvement Plan update and evolution of the complex CIP process, with extension to include all modes of travel • Parking Plan adoption including contentious complexities that will mold the future parking policies and sustainable practices. Approval of this extensive plan was recommended to Council with caveats from the Board on specifics of the plan • Budgeting For Outcomes update; a letter promoting the BFO process was sent to Council along with concerns regarding needed future sustainable transportation funding mechanisms • Support for the MAX project was a perpetual discussion item with the Board, along with public comment supporting the progress of construction and promotion from other boards and • commissions • Trails Master Plan Update that focuses on the value and appreciation of the community for our trails system, standards, improvements, and accessibility • Midtown Urban Design Plan, an initiative to enhance connectivity to include pedestrian travel, parking, wayfinding, and a vision for building and streets • Xcel Pipeline Project Update to replace the aging infrastructure coming in 2013 and 2014, regarding impacts of city transportation and including opportunities through collaboration with internal and external partnerships • Future of transportation issues in the city, including transit and the concept of social sustainability • Regional Bicycle Plan, a regional blueprint for the future for trails and connectivity with collaboration with cities and towns in the region, through the North Front Range MPO. A letter to Ben Manvel, the Fort Collins representative on the MPO Council expressed Board support for this plan • Discussion for drafting and approval of the 2013 Board Work Plan • Appreciation of retiring Board members for years of devoted participation and commitment for service to the city and community. Many thanks to Ed Robert and Shane Miller As in past years, the Transportation Board is truly appreciative for the time, commitment and professionalism provided by Mark Jackson and Polly Bennett of the Planning, Development, and Transportation Service Area Executive Office. Their competence and knowledge were of great value to the deliberations of the Board.