HomeMy WebLinkAboutTransportation Packet June 2011
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Page 1 of 5
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June 23
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Page 2 of 5
The second question:
The Parks Commission asked the Commission to consider a total revamping of the educational program.
Rachel Dials, the Parks Recreation Superintendent, explained to the Commission how the revised program
would be run by the Parks and Recreation instead of BTA to allow not only spring classes, but also fall
classes. She explained the program approximates costs $6,400 to $7,000 and $4,000 to $5,000 of the funds
would come from the Bike Swap event. She asked for a commitment from the Commission in the amount
of $2,000 for the upcoming fiscal year. The Parks Department would commit to operating this program as
long as they continued to facilitate the Bike Swap event.
Commissioner Young made a motion to pay BTA $3,400.00 to support last year’s activities from the
Commission funds, and to commit up to $2,000 in support for the Parks and Recreation to administer the
Bicycle Safety Education Program. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Sommer.
There was some brief favorable discussion between the Commissioners about the reorganization of this
program, generating the program from Ashland, downside from BTA, the bicycle fleet, insurance and the
Commission’s budget.
Voice Vote: All Ayes. The motion passed with a unanimous vote. Motion carries
B. Building Safer Communities Mini-grant
Jim Olson gave background information about the Building Safer Communities Mini-Grant Program. He
explained the grant is primarily used for education and thought this grant could be used to support the Parks
Department Bicycle Safety Education Program.
The Commissioners discussed prior programs that were funded by this grant. Staff employees, Jim and
Rachel, would write the grant for supporting the Bicycle Safety Program.
Commissioner Young moved that the City apply for the Mini Grant Program to be applied to the Parks and
Recreation’s Bike Safety Program. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Swales.
The Commissioners discussed how if the city received the grant monies for this program, then it might not
be necessary for the Commission to contribute all of the $2,000.00 that was just approved.
Chairperson Ryan called for a vote.
Voice Vote: All Ayes. The motion passed with a unanimous vote. Motion carries
C. Request for Information Booth @ Car Free Day Celebration
Jim Olson explained they have had a request from Mary Curtis (The US Fish and Wildlife Service
Forensics Laboratory) to have a booth at Car Free Day mainly to clarify misconceptions about Climate
Change. She explained to the Commission the science behind the green house gases and how they would
like to be able to reach a broader audience to inform them on how they can do things on a local level as
well as a national level.
Commissioner Kampmann made a motion to allow The US Fish and Wildlife Service Forensics Laboratory
to have a booth at Car Free Day, seconded by Commissioner Sommer.
Chairperson Ryan called for a vote.
Voice Vote: All Ayes. The motion passed with a unanimous vote. Motion carries
Page 3 of 5
D. N, Main Road Diet
Mike Faught read an email (included in the packet) from Tom and Nancy Burnham into the record.
Mike,
I am unable to attend this week’s TC meeting (06/23/11). I would like this forwarded email to be
read into the minutes for the record. It appears that PW is doing the right thing in addressing the
North Main Diet. Have a fun meeting. Thank you. Tom Burnham.
Mike,
Based on the comments heard at the meeting of June 14th and subsequent ones regarding the North
Main Road Diet, I have come to the conclusion that the project is a good one. I am in favor of the
present plan with the exception of Wimer/N.Main intersection. When that issue is resolved, I will
vote in favor of doing the project. The sooner the better as far as I’m concerned. The project must
move forward. I would entertain a signaled intersection as the simplest solution whether the streets
get realigned or not. Regardless of what is done there, it is going to be expensive. Thank you.
Mike spoke to the Commissioner about the article that came out in the paper regarding his comments about
the Road Diet and the realignment of Wimer and Hersey Streets. He explained several unsafe situations
that have arisen in the past and talked about different options and costs to readjust this area. Councilor
Chapman talked about how they have looked at this re-alignment for a long time.
Commissioner Kampmann remarked the realignment should be done regardless of the Road Diet.
The Commissioners discussed the option of a mini round-about, although Mike Faught explained
implementing this option would be a permanent change. Since the Road Diet is a temporary project, the
roundabout is not an option at this time. There was a lot of discussion about roundabouts, traffic patterns
and roundabouts as solutions in other areas.
Councilor Young brought back the main focus of the discussion to the Road Diet Project approval and
Mike Faught went over a time line of how everything would go forward.
The Commissioners wanted to be clear about a time line for the Road Diet, the re-alignment, discussing
other options and treating the project and/or the re-alignment as a standalone project.
They discussed how to proceed.
Chairperson Ryan wondered if the ODOT funds would be delayed, other suggestions for the roundabout,
and points of view from opposing citizens. Commissioner Swales discussed the “no left turn option” onto
Wimer and supported moving forward with the project.
Commissioner Sommer made a motion the Commission recommend to the City Council that we proceed as
soon as possible with the North Main Pilot Road Diet Project and that staff present Council on August 2nd
with a budget and timeline, also with the understanding the alignment with North Main will be done as
soon as possible in conjunction but not to delay the Road Diet Project.
The motion was amended:
Commissioner Sommer made a motion the Commission recommend to the City Council that we proceed
with the North Main Pilot Road Diet Project as designed. Commissioner Swales seconded the motion.
Commissioner Young discussed how he felt that the Commission was left out of the process when Dan
Burden was in town, and also the decisions mentioned in the article that was printed in the paper. The
Commissioners agreed and there was more discussions about the motion on the table, public input, effects
Page 4 of 5
on the downtown area, the responsibility to represent of all of the public by the Commissioners, and the
reminder that this is a pilot project.
Chairperson Ryan called for a vote.
Voice Vote: All Ayes with the exception of Commissioner Kampmann. The motion passed
with a majority vote. Motion carried.
Mike Faught further explained the comments in the article explaining he said he would be “recommending
to the Commission,” not that he was making any sort of decision alone. The Commissioners would like a
copy of the Tidings article in the packet, since some members do not get the Tidings. Also, they suggested
page numbers be listed on the pages submitted in the packet.
Councilor Chapman spoke to the Commission about advocating for the re-alignment of Wimer/Hersey for
quite some time. He would be disappointed if the alignment was delayed, but also liked the Commission’s
discussion about looking into that re-alignment and not being dependent on the North Main Project.
E. Parking Prohibition on Central Avenue
Mr. Riser, Ashland citizen, suggested the removal of parking spaces on the street due to limited vision
driving up and down Central Avenue between Helman and Water Street. Staff’s recommendation was that
there would be no parking prohibition placed on Central Avenue, however paint a centerline to help keep
vehicles in their prospective lanes as pointed out in the memo to the Commission dated June 14, 2011.
Councilor Heesacker moved to approve staff recommendations, seconded by Commissioner Kampmann.
Chairperson Ryan called for a vote.
Voice Vote: All Ayes. The motion passed with a unanimous vote. Motion carries
F. Draft Memorial Marker Policy
Jim Olson explained to the Commissioners about the proposed policy that was drafted with the help from
Commissioner Thompson, for memorial markers. This was a first draft and staff was looking to the
Commission for direction. They discussed how the markers would be tied to safety issues, the sign size,
locations, costs, what language would be on the signs, length of posting time, and the qualifying events for
the signs. Chairperson Ryan volunteered to communicate back with the family who spoke at the last
meeting and brought this issue to the Commission.
The Commissioners will submit suggestions in writing and staff will bring back another draft for their
consideration.
VI. NON ACTION ITEMS
A. TSP Update
Mike Faught updated the Commission on the subcommittee’s progress in initiating the usage of busses in
the city. They researched a contracted service, which was recommended by consultants, and the proposed
costs would be approximately between $416,000 and $500,000 for bus service on evenings and weekends.
Another idea was to purchase passes for Ashland residents, and they are waiting for an estimated cost from
RVTD for that purchase. Under the current program, Route 15 that costs $270,000, would be dropped and
these funds would be available possibly to help with the purchase of passes.
The subcommittee discussed short term and long term plans, also noting RVTD has some great
recommendation on their ten year plan on their website.
Chairperson Ryan requested the Commission review the subcommittee findings before a report goes to
Page 5 of 5
Council.
Chairperson Ryan moved to adjourn.
All other Items were set aside.
B. Traffic Crash Summary
VII. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
A. Action Summary
B. TC Budget Balance:$3,677.27
C. City Source Article
D. Bike Traffic Law Enforcement
E. FHA Pedestrian Forum
F. Velo Bike Advocacy Grant
VIII. FUTURE AGENDA TOPICS
Budget Process
Car Free Day
Bike Parking and Bike Rack Design Policy
Parking Restrictions on E Nevada St
Future Railroad Crossings
A Street Shared Road designation Discussion
IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
X. ADJOURN:
Respectfully submitted,
Mary McClary, Administrative Assistant