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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-27-2008 * CCITY OF AUBURN TRANSPORTATION, TRANSIT AND TRAILS COMMITTEE WAS H I NGTON august 27, 2008 1. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Roger Thordarson called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. in the Council Conference Room, located on the first floor of Auburn City Hall, 25 West Main Street, Auburn, Washington. Committee members present were: Gary Venn, Dirk Bidleman, John Calnan, and Jim Chambers. Also present during the meeting were: Public Works Director Dennis Dowdy, Transportation Planner\Grants Manager Chris Hankins, Transportation Planner/Grants Manager Tiffin Goodman, and Public Works Department Secretary Jennifer Rigsby. II. CONSENT AGENDA A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by John Calnan, seconded by Member Bidleman that the Committee approve the Public Works Committee minutes for date, July 23, 2008. Motion carried. III. DISCUSSION AND INFORMATION A. REVIEW OF COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE Transportation Planner/Grants Manager Goodman reported to the Committee the progress of the Comprehensive Transportation Plan update. In late May and June staff conducted public outreach, in the forms of surveys and Public Meetings. For the past two months staff has been working on the traffic model. Goodman explained the importance of an accurate working model and how the model relates to the next phase of the update and ability to determine future transit needs. The traffic model is also used the help forecast needs for capacity improvements as far out as 2030. Goodman predicted the Comprehensive Transportation Plan update will be presented for adoption in mid-2009. Goodman stated staff is also working on the non-motorized chapter of the plan. Transportation Planner/Grants Manager Hankins is reviewing pedestrian crossings and criteria that can be used to identify new crossing locations and can also. be used to prioritize the installation of crossings. Chairman Thordarson commented on the "sharrows," shared lane markings used within travel lanes shared by bicyclists and other vehicles, in Seattle. Thordarson was unabte to determine the effectiveness of the markings due to the limited number of bicyclists present at the time. Member Calnan responded the shared lanes were regularly used on Stone Avenue. Transportation Planner/Grants Manager Goodman asked the Committee if the introduction of sharrows on Lea and West Hills would be viable, since it is unlikely the roads will be widened to accommodate a dedicated bike lane. Member Bidleman answered the use of sharrows on roadways from the Interurban trail to the transit station and into Auburn would be beneficial, more so that on the hills. Member Venn and Member Calnan concurred. Member Bidleman asked Transportation Planner/Grants Manager Hankins to review two crossing locations, one near Emerald Downs at 37ih Street and the other near the Supermall at 15th Street. The Committee discussed the challenges facing bicyclists at both locations. Chairman Thordarson asked if a walk-signal at 37 Street could be a possible solution. Goodman responded that it might be, and further research will be done. The Committee discussed the multiple challenges at the 15th Street crossing location. Transqortation, Transit, and Trails Committee Auqust 27, 2008 MINUTES B. KING COUNTY COUNCIL TOWN HALL MEETING REVIEW Chairman Thordarson and the Committee reviewed the information presented by King County Metro at the King County Council Town Hall Meeting, held Monday, August 25th. Chairman Thordarson stated the financial picture for Metro did not appear very good and they are considering using capital monies to supplement operational costs. This would lead to the inability to purchase new equipment. Thordarson commented on the condition of some of the current buses. Member Venn asked the gas mileage for hybrid buses. Thordarson responded approximately 10-12 mpg. Chairman Thordarson state there were two charts presented at the meeting which are not included in the Committee's handout. One was the chart depicting the two shuttles for service in Auburn. Transportation Planner/Grants Manager Goodman stated the Auburn shuttle service agreement is almost complete and it should be going to Pierce County Council for approval in mid-September. Member Chambers asked about the shuttle servicing the Lakeland Hills area and Member Bidleman asked about the route. Goodman discussed the route, stating the route is well defined and there will be a Park and Ride location at Sunset Park. Bidleman asked about bike racks being available on the shuttles. Chairman Thordarson responded there are racks that will hold two bicycles. The Committee and staff discussed the availability of bike racks at the Park and Ride locations and the transit stations. Director powdy asked if station security was a topic at the town hall meeting. Chairman Thordarson replied it was. Dowdy asked if bus drivers had a"panic key" to contact 9-1-1 in cases of emergency. Thordarson answered there is a"panic key" which contacts the dispatch center. Thordarson commented the majority of the safety problems are at the Kent Station. Member Chambers asked if in the future there would be train service into Seattle during the mid-day. Chairman Thordarson responded the new schedule would not cover mid-day travel and bus service is an option to travel to Seattle during non-commute hours when the Sounder is not operating. The Committee discussed the available bus routes to and from Seattle during mid-day and travel time. Director powdy discussed the Sound Transit 2 package which will be on the ballot November 2008. ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION Member Calnan pointed out bicycles were unable to trigger a signal change at signals on Auburn Way. He reported the City of Bellevue signals have marked spots to indicate where bicyclists need to be in order to trigger a signal change. Transportation Planner/Grants Manager Goodman stated she would consult with Traffic Operations Engineer Nutter. Member Chambers asked about traffic and Lakeland Hills Parkway. Director powdy stated a primary situation affecting Lakeland Hills Parkway is the Stewart Road project. Dowdy gave background about the projects and said currently the project is at an impasse due to the lack of participation by Pierce County. Transportation Planner/Grants Manager Goodman recommended the Committee write a letter of support for the project addressed to the Pierce County Council. The Committee continued discussion about avenues they can research to gain community support for the project and create stakeholders in the project. Director powdy discussed Mayor Lewis' participation at the U.S. Conference of Mayors Infrastructure Meeting. Page 2 Transportation Transit and Trails Committee Auqust 27, 2008 MINUTES The Committee concurred that the agenda from the September Transportation, Transit, and Trails Committee Meeting should include a presentation on the Stewart Road project. Director powdy suggested inviting staff from the City of Pacific to discuss the project. Member Chambers stressed the importance of involving surrounding companies and neighborhoods that would benefit from the completion of the project. The Committee agreed. Director powdy suggested the Corridor Traffic Count Map be included. IV. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Transportation, Transit, and Trails Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 10:05 a.m. Approved this 24th day of September, 2008. Roger Thordarson Jennifer Rigsby Chairman Public Works Department Secretary Page 3