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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Citizens Transportation Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 9/3/2015 MINUTES CITIZENS TRANSPORTATION OVERSIGHT COMMISSION 5850 West Glendale Avenue Glendale, Arizona 85301 City Hall, Room B®3 September 3, 2015 6:00 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: James Grose, Chair Tom Schmitt, Vice Chair John Geurs Karen Griego Frank Johnson Jeff McAffee Roberta Podzius Gus Woodman MEMBERS ABSENT: Darrin Lacey OTHERS PRESENT: Debbie Albert,Transportation Engineer Purab Adabala, Senior Transportation Analyst Patrick Sage, Transportation Planner Michael LaBianca, HDR Laura Paty, HDR Kristin Darr, Central Creative I. Call to Order Chair Grose called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. II. Approval of Minutes from August 6, 2015 Meeting Chair Grose called for approval of the minutes. ACTION BY CTOC: Approval of the minutes from the August 6, 2015 meeting of the Citizens Transportation Oversight Commission with a change to the text on page 7 to remove the word"and" from "...deliver and meaningful connections." (Motion:Vice Chair Schmitt; Second: Commissioner Woodman; motion carried unanimously) III. Call to the Audience No comments from the audience. 1 IV. Approval of the Agenda Chair Grose called for approval of the agenda for the September 3, 2015 CTOC meeting. ACTION.BY CTOC;Approval of the agenda for the September 3, 2015 Citizens Transportation Oversight Commission as presented. (Motion: Vice Chair Schmitt; Second: Commissioner Podzius; motion carried unanimously) V. Public Input—Commissioners and Staff Commissioner Woodman stated that he attended the International Municipal Signal Association Conference in New.Orleans and described a presentation that was given regarding an innovative Transit Signal Priority System in New Jersey. Commissioner Woodman offered to provide information to the Commission at a later meeting as an agenda item. All agreed. Mr. Sage will include the presentation as an agenda item during a future CTOC meeting. Chair Grose noted that he, Vice Chair Schmitt and Commissioner Geurs participate on the Glendale General Plan Steering Committee. Chair Grose distributed a brochure on Envision Glendale 2040. Vice Chair Schmitt stated that the Glendale Plan website, www.glendale2040.com, is available for residents to provide direct input on the proposed plan. Commissioner Geurs added..that it is important for residents to provide comments and input on the General Plan. Vice Chair Schmitt, as a member of the Downtown Glendale Community Working Group (CWG), reported that the City of Phoenix Proposition 104 passed, establishing sales tax revenue for transportation,which was a critical component to continue the West Phoenix/Central Glendale High- Capacity Transit Study. Ms. Albert stated that the cities of Phoenix and Glendale are coordinating efforts to extend high capacity transit (HCT) through west Phoenix and into the City of Glendale, and these efforts should culminate in a mutually agreed alignment decision,for HCT in early 2016. Ms. Albert advised that further discussion on the actions of the CWG and the potential extension of HCT should be conducted as an agenda item during a future meeting. VI. Manager's Report Ms. Albert provided a status update/information on the following topics: Transit • West Phoenix/Central Glendale High Capacity Transit Study o 3 or 4 meetings left • Light Rail Transit Field Trip to Mesa —September 9th o The Community Working Group will be attending • Arrowhead Transit Center o Under construction -Includes two new bus pull-outs o Anticipate completion by November 1, 2015 • North Glendale Park and Ride o The land acquisition is underway o Once the Arrowhead Transit Center is completed,the current Park-n-Ride at the 101 between.Beardsley and Union Hills will be moved to that location. Vice Chair Schmitt asked if there would be commercial pads at the new Transit Center. MS Albert replied in the negative for the first phase of the project, and added that even in the future there could be limitations due to the dictates of federal funds used in the project. Commissioner Podzius expressed 2 concern regarding u-turns in the area and challenges with the increased amount of traffic going into and out of the parking lot. Ms. Albert stated that the capacity plan is for 350 vehicles initially,which can be expanded to up to 550 vehicles. Streets • 59th Avenue and Olive Intersection Improvements o Federal highway improvements funds were awarded for the project, which includes safety and capacity improvements o The project is currently in design phase Bike/Pedestrian • New River Multi-Use Path Update o Substantially complete o Grand opening will be held on October 12th and will be hosted by both the cities of Glendale and Peoria o CTOC is invited to attend • Maryland Avenue Spot Improvements o Maryland Avenue will be widened from 67th to 69th Avenues o The project is underway and should be completed in October • Grand Canal Multi-Use Path o The design phase is complete o Awaiting ADOT final approval to advertise HURF Projects • 59th Avenue and Hayward Avenue: new signal • 60th Avenue and Bethany Home Road: HAWK • 59th Avenue and Myrtle Avenue: signal cabinet • 57th and 58th avenues at Glendale: traffic signal conduit and cable Ms. Albert displayed a map of the HURF projects. Vice Chair Schmitt inquired if there was a plan for extending Bethany Home Road past 83rd Avenue. Ms. Albert replied in the positive, noting that as the private property in that location is developed,the city would work with the developer regarding new street extensions. Vice Chair Schmitt asked about current construction at Camelback Road and 91st Avenue. Ms. Albert will follow up and provide an update on the project. Vice Chair Schmitt asked about the entrance to the new casino at Northern Avenue and 95th Avenue. Ms. Albert stated that this is a private development and the connecting road is in the City of Peoria, not Glendale. Chair Grose thanked Ms. Albert for the updates. 3 VII. Citizen's Bicycle Advisory Committee Appointee It was announced that due to a scheduling conflict, Commissioner McAffee is not available to represent CTOC on the Glendale Citizen's Bicycle Advisory Committee (CBAC) as appointed at the last CTOC meeting. Commissioner Woodman volunteered to serve. ACTION BY CTOC:Appointment of Commissioner Woodman as the CTOC representative to the Citizen's Bicycle Advisory Committee. (Motion: Vice Chair Schmitt; Second: Commissioner Geurs; motion carried unanimously) VIII. FY2016-2040 GO Draft Program of Projects Mr. Adabala presented the revised GO Draft Program of Projects. The presentation provided a recap of the information presented on the program during the August 6 CTOC meeting, and itemized changes and corrections to the draft report since it was last distributed prior to the August meeting. Commissioner Podzius commented that in the original voting pamphlet for Proposition 402, the following was to be spent:65%on Transit,31%on Streets and 4% on other purposes, including,Bicycle and Pedestrian. Mr:Adabala explained that the original Proposition estimates did not include operation and maintenance, which has since been added at the,direction of the City Council. Commissioner Podzius expressed the perspective that that the originally proposed percentages should be maintained. Mr. Adabala added that due to changes in project cost,the overall category. percentages may change, but the intent remains the same as originally outlined in the ballot language. Ms. Albert noted that the projects originally identified in the Proposition are being completed, as confirmed by the Go Program audit process; however, the percentage of fund allocation by mode may vary due to project timelines over the 25 year initiative horizon, when certain funds become available, and overall project costs. Commissioner McAffee commented that if there is a variance overall,the voters should be made aware of the variance and corresponding reasons. Commissioner McAffee asked if the category percentages were included in the voting ballot. Ms. Albert stated that the maps of the proposed projects were on the Proposition 402 ballot, not the percentages of cost. Ms. Albert stated that the advertisement brochures included both maps and the funding percentage pie charts. Commissioner Podzius felt that the voters looked more at the brochures than. the ballot, and suggested that a running status update on the percentages spent on each category be maintained through the 2025 horizon year identified in the Ballot brochure. Commissioner Podzius commented that this information would be important to provide to Council and Glendale.residents. Commissioner Woodman commented that the percentage would be expected to vary some due to project costs, however,large percentage swings are concerning. Vice Chair Schmitt stated that he was on the 61-member transportation committee that oversaw the development of the election package for Proposition 402, and that the category cost percentages were determined as best as the projects could be estimated at the time. However, costs can vary as time goes by. Commissioner Griego agreed and added that it is important to maintain accountability to the voters by explaining project variances. Commissioner Podzius requested map overlays which would show the originally proposed projects versus completed projects to date. 4 Commission McAffee stated that Proposition 402 has been a great success story so far which has been excellently managed. Vice Chair Schmitt agreed and noted that the success would continue because the tax is in perpetuity with no sunset clause. Mr. Adabala continued with the presentation that included the following elements: • GO Program Capital Summary • GO Program Operations Summary • Ongoing Programs (Budget Changes) • Schedule Commissioner Geurs noted that CTOC has the task of recommending the alignment for the high speed transit, while the ballot measure states that the alignment method is not allowed along Glendale Avenue. Commissioner Geurs wondered if CTOC and Council had to abide by the ballot or had the legal ability to change the restriction along Glendale Avenue. Ms. Albert replied that the question has been posed to the City Attorney's office and the direction received by the City Manager is that members of the CWG and the CTOC should recommended what they feel is in the best interest of the City, even if it is along Glendale Avenue and funding issues will be resolved as necessary. Commissioner Geurs inquired as to farebox revenue and how it is collected: Mr. Adabala explained that there are four different fares: GUS, Dial-a-Ride, contracted Phoenix busses and light rail. Ms. Albert explained the technical collection differences. ACTION BY CTOC: Recommendation to accept the final FY2016-2040 Program of Projects for the GO Transportation Program: (Motion: Vice Chair Schmitt; Second: Commissioner Woodman; motion carried unanimously) IX. Glendale Transportation Master Plan Mr. LaBianca opened the discussion on the recentlyinitiated project to update the Transportation Master Plan (TMP) for the City. The TMP was last updated in 2009. HDR representatives gave a presentation providing information on the plan update process,the existing conditions analysis currently,underway, and the public engagement strategy for the projects. Mr. LaBianca commented on the HDR staff on the team and introduced Ms. Paty and Ms. Darr who were present this evening. Mr. LaBianca displayed the following: • An 18-month detailed project timeline of the TMP process • Population predictions and changing demographics Mr. LaBianca noted that TMP efforts will include coordinating with other departments regarding other initiatives including: • Envision Glendale 2040 General Plan Update • Pavement Management Program • Northern Parkway • Glendale Airport Layout Plan and Forecasts • Valley Metro Transit projects • Bicycle and pedestrian related opportunities 5 Vice Chair Schmitt inquired if a "needs" study would be conducted. Mr. LaBianca replied that the TMP will involve existing conditions analyses and transportation travel demand modeling to identify gaps in the existing system and anticipate critical existing and future needs. Vice Chair Schmitt asked shortfalls and opportunities for private/public partnerships would be identified. Mr. LaBianca replied in the positive. Ms. Darr discussed the need to develop the public engagement strategy for the TMP, and noted outreach to residents regarding the TMP will include: • Community Events • Working with Community Organizations • Open Houses • Bi-lingual • Diverse Notification • Online Tools • Community Meetings • TV, Radio, Other Media • Interviews, News Releases • Informative Graphics • Work with Local Service Clubs • Have a Compelling Message Ms. Darr facilitated a discussion of the following three questions (Commissioner comments/input are included in the bullets under each question): 1. Why is it important to do a City of Glendale Transportation Plan? o Traffic congestion o How needs are funded o Mass transit options o Air quality improvements o Needs: pedestrian movement should be more convenient, congestion, safety o Condition of streets o If you do not get involved, do not complain o- Be part of the solution o Be involved, be active o Signals—long red lights at night o Pedestrian crossing time—consider disabled pedestrians 2. What to consider in the City of Glendale Transportation Plan? o Automated vehicles • o More efficient and reliable travel times o Signal timing o _ Condition of streets o Parkway concept o Speed limits—law says 85th percentile o HOV lanes o ` Covered/shaded bus stops o Neighborhoods—speed bumps/roundabouts 3. Who should HDR reach out to in regards to the City of Glendale Transportation Plan? o Demographics—transit riders, car people 6 o . HOA's o Facebook, Nextdoor, Social media o Printed materials—the water bill and Council district newsletter o Senior centers o General Plan update tie-in o Promotional items, incentives—coloring contests, o Glendale Glitters, Halloween at FRAC o Emergency Vehicle delivery systems o Transportation Departments o Bus driver concerns o Sporting events/Westgate o School system —communicate to parents o Bike routes—maps o Bicycle rodeos, other bicycle events o Dial-a-Ride o Education/messaging on transportation system o Library events o Outreach to surrounding cities Ms. Darr thanked the Commissioners for their input. Chair Grose thanked HDR staff for their presentation. X. Project Update: Northern Parkway Ms. Albert provided an update, which included the following highlights: • The Northern Parkway project has been under consideration since 2000-2001. • Partners in the project include the cities of Glendale, Peoria, El Mirage and also the Maricopa Association of Governments. • Due to changes in demographics and demand, some partners are taking another review of the project in relation to cost and need. • The City of Glendale maintains the importance of the Northern Parkway Project as initially conceived and developed. • The next phase of the project for construction is the section between Dysart Road and 111th Avenue. However, construction of this phase may be delayed until . Ms. Albert will keep CTOC updated on the future of the project. XI. Future Agenda Items Running list of requested agenda items: • Flashing Yellow Arrows • School Zone Safety • Summary/Update on I-10/1-17 Corridor "Spine Study" • City Government Departmental Structure/Transportation Coordination • Project Development and Agency Coordination • Bench Sponsorship Program • Commissioner Woodman Presentation on IMSA Conference Commissioner Podzius inquired about the school speed limit information. Ms. Albert stated that information will be distributed to the CTOC in an informational memo format. XII. Next Meeting Time The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 1, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. in Room B-3 in City Hall. XIII. Adjournment Chair Grose adjourned the meeting at 8:39 p.m. drGrose, Chair SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS Please contact transportation staff at(623) 930-2940 at least three (3)days prior to the meeting for special accommodations. Hearing impaired persons please use the Arizona Relay Service at 1-800-367-8939. • 8