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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Citizens Transportation Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 11/2/2017 6 r Pi J MINUTES CITIZENS TRANSPORTATION OVERSIGHT COMMISSION COUNCIL CHAMBERS BUILDING CONFERENCE ROOM B-3 5850 W. GLENDALE AVE. GLENDALE, ARIZONA 85301 NOVEMBER 2, 2017 6:00P.M. Present: Tom Schmitt, Chair JR Blackburn, Commissioner Donald Brazier, Commissioner Marie Nesfield, Commissioner Jack Nylund, Commissioner Joan Young, Commissioner Absent: John Geurs, Vice Chair John Fernandes, Commissioner Chuck Jared, Commissioner Also Present: Jack Lorbeer, Transportation Planning Administrator Trevor Ebersole, Transportation Department Director Patrick Sage, Transportation Planner Kiran Guntupalli, Principal Transportation Engineer Stephanie Stearnes, Transportation Planner • 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Schmitt called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. 2. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA ACTION BY CTOC: Approval of the agenda for the November 2, 2017 Citizens Transportation Oversight Commission. Motioned by Commissioner Jack Nylund, seconded by Commissioner Marie Nesfield Vote: 6 - 0 Passed 3. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES ACTION BY CTOC: Approval of the minutes from the October 5, 2017 meeting of the Citizens Transportation Oversight Commission as written. Motioned by Commissioner JR Blackburn, seconded by Commissioner Marie Nesfield Vote: 6 - 0 Passed 4. CITIZEN COMMENTS No comments. 5. PROJECT UPDATE: 59TH & OLIVE AVENUES SAFETY& CAPACITY IMPROVEMENTS Mr. Guntupalli gave an update on the improvements underway to address safety and capacity issues at the intersection of 59th and Olive avenues. The presentation included the following: • Project Purpose •Scope of Work—Safety Improvements •Safety Improvement Schedule •Scope of Work—Capacity Improvements •Capacity Improvements Schedule Chair Schmitt wondered if pedestrians can be compelled to use the pedestrian crossing facilities at the intersection after exiting the buses, and discouraged from crossing the arterial streets mid-block. Mr. Guntupalli stated that it can be challenging to change this type of behavior and staff is working on education and enforcement. Commissioner Nylund inquired about the encroachment of the project onto right-of-way and Mr. Guntupalli confirmed that the project will require the acquisition of strips of frontage from some private properties at the intersection. 6. GLENDALE ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PLAN Ms. Stearns provided information on Glendale's proposed Active Transportation Plan (ATP) and associated bicycle and pedestrian project activities. The presentation included the following: • Definition of"Active Transportation Plan" • Background •Other Relevant Plans •Glendale ATP Process •Glendale ATP Schedule •Other MAG Bicycle/Pedestrian Project Grants • Design Assistance (Maryland Avenue project) •CMAQ/TA (Maryland Avenue project) • Maryland Avenue Bicycle Project: 69th Avenue to 75th Avenue •Awarded Design Assistance funds ($43,819) •Applied for CMAQ/TA Funds ($278,730 for FY2021) • Commissioner Blackburn inquired as to when the project for which the grant funds were received needed to begin. Ms. Stearns explained that, according to MAG requirements, the project must begin by the end this fiscal year (June 30, 2018), and a consultant will be hired for the project very soon. Mr. Guntupalli provided additional information regarding MAG funding use requirements once the project is underway, stating that typically, as long as a project is active, MAG will allow grant funds to move into future years if necessary. Commissioner Nylund inquired if the city is pursing grant funds for any other bicycle/pedestrian projects. Ms. Stearns replied in the negative and noted that the ATP will help staff identify gaps and therefore, future projects. Ms. Stearns added that the ATP will also be very helpful when MAG releases calls for bicycle and pedestrian projects. Commissioner Nylund inquired if Council suggests projects to staff or if staff identifies future project needs. Mr. Lorbeer explained that sometimes projects are suggested by Council or citizens. Typically, projects are initiated by staff identifying where gaps exist in the existing bicycle network. Mr. Lorbeer stated that closing these gaps is often the criteria for competitive funding allocation, and represents where the city can get the most value for their investment. Mr. Lorbeer noted that there is an entire chapter of the Transportation Plan dedicated to bicycle and pedestrian facilities, in addition to the upcoming ATP. Mr. Lorbeer explained that the bicycle plan identifies bicycle facility needs through the plan horizon of 2042. Commissioner Young inquired if sidewalks are included in the Transportation Plan or the Active Transportation Plan and Ms. Stearns replied that pedestrian facilities will be included in the Active Transportation Plan. Chair Schmitt thanked Ms. Stearns for the presentation. 7. MANAGER'S REPORT Mr. Lorbeer provided the Manager's Report to the Commission as follows: • Follow-Up Item—Public Safety Presentation • Follow-Up Item—Pedestrian Crossing/55th Avenue south of Northern Avenue Chair Schmitt commented that the buses stop about 400 feet from the crosswalk and riders do not walk back to the crosswalk to cross the street. Chair Schmitt noted that this is a systemic issue. Commissioner Blackburn stated that when busses are scheduled to arrive at the same time, riders run across the street to catch another bus. Commissioner Blackburn suggested staggered bus times. •Ongoing Projects— Northern Parkway •Ongoing Projects—Draft Transportation Plan •The draft Plan is scheduled for City Council workshop on November 7 at 1:30 p.m. The workshop is to solicit City Council guidance on multiple policy-related issues. •A second workshop is anticipated to discuss projects and programs. • CTOC input to be sought post-Council workshops. • Light Rail Transit • Update on the City Council workshop held on October 17th, where a Council reached a consensus decision to end Glendale's participation in the light rail transit project. Commissioner Young inquired if this decision meant the end of light rail in Glendale or if the decision is to be tabled for a period of time. Chair Schmitt stated that if the light rail project is ended at this time, the funds as currently identified will be used elsewhere and it will take at least ten to fifteen years to get back to the same place in project development. Commissioner Blackburn inquired if Council would procedurally have to take an official vote and Mr. Ebersole replied in the positive. Commissioner Nylund was surprised with the Council's consensus decision at the workshop, which he felt was "abrupt,"without a great deal more outreach to the community, especially after all of the initial outreach work that was performed on the project. Mr. Lorbeer concluded the Manager's Report. 8. COMMISSION AND STAFF UPDATES October 17 City Council Workshop- Chair Schmitt stated that he attended the October 17, 2017 City Council workshop that included the Glendale light rail transit project. He began his update by wondering if other CTOC members felt that Council had acted abruptly when making a consensus decision at that workshop to end Glendale's participation in the light rail transit project, without first seeking current input from the CTOC. Chair Schmitt noted that the CTOC last brought their light rail recommendation and alignment recommendation to Council in early 2016. Commissioner Nesfield stated that she also attended the October 17 Council workshop. Commissioner Nesfield stated that one of the main focuses of GO Program was to be light rail. She expressed concern that during the workshop a Council member stated that light rail was an afterthought, and another that the voters were not aware of the high costs associated with light rail in 2001 when they voted for transportation sales tax. Chair Schmitt commented that light rail was in fact a main focus of the transportation sales tax initiative, along with Northern Parkway, and while the specific costs were undefined at that time, the general magnitude of costs were understood by voters and stakeholders. Commissioner Nesfield stated that at the workshop, one of the Council members suggested that if the light rail project were put to a citizen vote today, they didn't think it would pass. Chair Schmitt commented that it is his recommendation that the light rail issue be brought back to CTOC and the Community Working Group, and potentially back to the voters, since a Council member at the workshop stated that voters today would not approve the project. Commissioner Brazier stated that he expressed his similar comments regarding the issue at the October 24th City Council meeting following the workshop. Commissioner Nylund'agreed that CTOC should have the opportunity to make another recommendation to Council regarding this project prior to Council taking formal action. Mr. Lorbeer explained the following current financial aspects of the light rail transit project: •The $500 million in federal funds, if awarded to the Glendale project, would be put toward the $900 million construction cost of the project. •The $500 million are competitive federal funds. If the Glendale project is not awarded this money, there is no project. The project will require a package of funding sources, including this $500 million, to move forward. •The GO Program generates $25 million per year, of which $7 million goes toward debt services on bonds issued in 2008, and will not be paid off until 2031. Existing transit services consumes $8 million per year from the program, and $2 million annually in consumed by the pavement management program. • If Glendale were to fund the $105 million in capital costs, the annual costs associated with the necessary debt service, existing transit service, and light rail operations and maintenance would likely occupy all of the GO Program funds for the foreseeable future. •Although the bonds in the GO Program are set to expire in 2031, this assumes that there are no more bond issuances. The City does not have $105 million in cash and, with savings, could build up approximately $70 million by 2025. However, the City would most likely have to issue a bond to make up the difference between the $105 million and the $70 million. •The City's HURF funds, which are state funds of approximately $14 million per year, cannot be spent on transit. Mr. Ebersole conveyed that in the Glendale Transportation Plan, there are $3.5 billion in strategic projects and if the light rail was to move forward, there could be no expansion of the current transportation system services. Chair Schmitt stated that the City will never have the money to complete every project, but still needs to continue identifying needs and funding projects as it can. Chair Schmitt commented that there are revenues that will be generated by the light rail transit. Mr. Ebersole agreed that there are many different factors to consider, such as increased revenue, the potential for increased police department needs due to increased crime, and more, which can be learned from other valley cities' experiences. Mr. Ebersole relayed that Council sees an immediate need to improve infrastructure in different capacities and one way to do that is to eliminate the sizable expense that would be associated with light rail transit. Chair Schmitt countered that light rail would also bring a lot to the City. Chair Schmitt stated that, as CTOC is advisory and oversight, it would be appreciated if CTOC has the opportunity to advise Council again on the light rail project, prior to Council taking a final action to end Glendale's participation. Chair Schmitt stated that the CTOC might come to the same conclusion as Council if it is presented with more detailed and updated financial information. Commissioner Blackburn agreed, was very disappointed that the opinion of CTOC was not requested, and shared this sentiment with his Councilmember. Mr. Lorbeer stressed that staff sends on the feedback and recommendations provided by the CTOC and that the CTOC input is valued. Commissioner Young inquired as to how not moving forward with light rail would affect the GO Program audit. Mr. Lorbeer explained that the audit reviews how well the GO Program is following the rules of the ordinance. Mr. Ebersole thought that if Council votes to end Glendale's participation in the light rail project, it will be removed from Prop. 402 and therefore from audit review requirement. However, staff will confirm potential impacts on the Go Program audit with the audit project manager and the City Attorney's office. Commissioner Nylund commented that more cars are on the road each year and the air quality of the Valley is always in the news. Commissioner Nylund wondered if staff could open the dialogue again between Council and the CTOC. Mr. Ebersole stated that he is CTOC's conduit to Council, but Commissioners can contact their Councilmembers directly. Mr. Ebersole announced that the October 17 workshop was videotaped and is on the City website for viewing. Chair Schmitt shared that prior to the October 17 workshop, he emailed all Councilmembers and copied Mr. Sage, Mr. Lorbeer, and Mr. Friedline, in which he recommended that Council send the light rail issue back to the CTOC and Community Working Group. Commissioner Brazier noted that he also sent each Councilmember his opinion before October 17th. Commissioner Brazier noted that, at the October 24th City Council meeting, he was the only person who provided public comments regarding the Council action on light rail made during the October 17 workshop..He was disappointed that other supporters of the light rail project, like downtown businesses, didn't attend the meeting or provide their perspective on the earlier workshop action. Commissioner Blackburn expressed appreciation for staffs explanation, and for staffs commitment to relay CTOC feedback to management and Council. Chair Schmitt thanked staff for the discussion. Other Commissioner Updates- Commissioner Brazier attended the GUS 2 ribbon cutting ceremony on October 23 at Tanner Terrace with the Mayor and Councilmember Hugh. Commissioner Brazier was very impressed with the new route and inclusion of the Tanner Terrace community. Commissioner Brazier also attended Councilmember Bart Turner's district meeting. Commissioner Brazier relayed that discussion was held regarding Glen Lakes Golf Course. The facility has operated at a loss in recent years; however, the City is evaluating future operational opportunities for golf course. Chair Schmitt inquired'if the CTOC could hold a special meeting if Council intends to vote on light rail before the December CTOC meeting. Mr. Ebersole will follow up on this request. 9. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Chair Schmitt requested an agenda item where staff will provide CTOC with the updated funding information on the light rail transit project that Council received in their last two workshop sessions on the project. This item is requested for the December agenda, or for a topic specific special meeting if necessary. Chair Schmitt stated that the last CTOC recommendation was to move forward with the light rail with an optimal alignment, and the CTOC would like the opportunity to make a recommendation based on the more recent financial information provided to Council. Commissioner Nylund asked for clarification regarding the type of information Council received in their workshops that would be included in the requested CTOC update. Mr. Lorbeer explained that Valley Metro provided Council with the latest cost estimates for various "end of line" line scenarios and operation and maintenance estimates. 10. NEXT MEETING The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 7, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. Glendale City Hall, Room B-3. 11. ADJOURNMENT e meeting was adjourned by consensus at 8:01 p.m. The k itiz:. • Transportation Oversight Commission meeting minutes of November 2, 2017 were submitted and asp,I -,► this 7th day of December, 2017. (, Patrick Sa 6e Recording Secretary