HomeMy WebLinkAboutTransportation Minutes April 2015Transportation Commission
April 23, 2015
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AASSHHLLAANNDD TTRRAANNSSPPOORRTTAATTIIOONN CCOOMMMMIISSSSIIOONN
MMIINNUUTTEESS
APRIL 23, 2015
CALL TO ORDER: Chair David Young called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. in the Civic Center Council
Chambers, 1175 E. Main Street.
Commissioners Present: David Young, Joe Graf, Corinne Viéville, Danielle Amarotico, Alan Bender and Shawn
Kampmann
Commissioners Absent: None
Staff Present: Mike Faught, Scott Fleury, Brandon Goldman, Bill Mollnar, Tami De Mille-Campos, and Whitney
Dennis
Council Liaison Present: Michael Morris (absent)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Chair Dave Young welcomed and introduced new commissioner Danielle Amarotico. Amarotico explained her
background as working at Standing Stone, a restaurant and brewery in Ashland, for the last 18 years and an Ashland
community member for the last 20 years. Chair Young also welcomed and introduced new administrative support
City staff member, Whitney Dennis.
CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of Minutes – February 26, 2015
No objections noted; minutes were unanimously approved
PUBLIC FORUM
Jan Vidmar of 320 Meadow Drive - Handout was distributed to discuss the Normal Avenue project area (attached
Exhibit A). Vidmar spoke to the crowding on East Main and the difficulty of getting onto Ashland Street from Clay
Street without stop signs. The photographs within the attachment represent the troubles. She advocated for changes
to Normal Avenue and East Main. Vidmar highlighted prior flooding on Clay Street as a concern. She mentioned that
she is also speaking on behalf of Brice Anderson, who was not in attendance.
NEW BUSINESS
Normal Ave. Neighborhood Discussion
Brandon Goldman, City of Ashland Planning & Bill Mollnar, Community Development Director – Goldman began his
presentation with a brief summary of the review process that has taken place with the Normal Neighborhood Plan
(NNP) explaining the following:
1. ose to a year ago.
2. The NNP was then given to
The Transportation Commission reviewed the NNP cl
the Working Group, comprised of two (2) Planning Commissioners and three (3)
City Councilors. The Working Group made revision
ing Commission and the Transportation
Commission before being considered for the final ap
P)
an described the first modification to the existing TSP, as
s to the transportation system within the plan.
3. Upon City Council’s review of the revised NNP on December 2, 2014, the Council recommended that all
revisions of the Working Group be reviewed by both the Plann
proval process with the City Council.
Goldman displayed a diagram of the existing major connections within the current Transportation System Plan (TS
before revisions (presentation attached Exhibit B). Goldm
Transportation Commission
April 23, 2015
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a request to modify the plan by adding East Main Street back into the planning. Goldman reviewed the history of the
ections of the development be eliminated, with
nly one connection remaining to East Main. Mike Faught, Public Works Director explained that in 2013 he did not
g
st Main from Walker to Clay Street to include bike lanes and sidewalk on the south side prior
any annexation or development. Additional example recommendations were presented including a future transit
e with
n reviewed the recommendations of the Working Gr
ned with bike lanes, sidewalks, gutters, concurring with the
recommendation of the Planning Commission
s be made to East Main
3. Standardized grid with more alignment with East and West connections
Railroad crossing be improved to be in concert with
n continued with a before and after slide and describ t
tion of the streets could shift as development begins d
ow the two can influence one another. He explained that more new east/west
ions that run through the property have been recom
nges to the land use density areas. He described that the changes in densities were
hosen to mirror other areas Single Family and Multi residential use zones around the City. Young asked for
’s recommendations were given, including
escription of the phased approach to development, railroad crossing information and the recommendation of full
existing TSP, showing the original land use and street framework.
Goldman outlined the recommendation of the Transportation Commission in November 2013, explaining that the
Transportation Commission requested that the East and West conn
o
agree with only having one connection to East Main and followed through with that recommendation to the Plannin
Commission in 2013.
Goldman explained that in April 2014, there were recommendations by the Planning Commission to include
improvements along Ea
to
stop being located adjacent to the higher density zone on East Main and a railroad crossing at Normal Avenu
the following conditions:
1. Additional crossing can be created without closing original crossing in town
2. A finance plan must be developed and approved by City
Goldma oup as the following:
1. East Main Street should be maintai
2. Multiple connection
4. Bicycle and pedestrian pathways developed
5. development
Goldma ed traffic flow and the framework. He also warned tha
the loca . There was continued explanation of how the street an
land use framework can change and h
connect mended.
Goldman described the cha
c
clarification on what the expectation of the Transportation Commission is in regards to the amended plan. Goldman
explained that comments and recommendations from the Transportation Commission are needed in regards to the
presented revisions. Faught spoke about the information provided in the packet and explained financing options
with the proposed revisions. Additional examples of the Working Group
d
improvements upon connecting to East Main.
Kampmann asked for clarification to describe when East Main would need to be fully developed based on developing
progress on Normal Avenue. Faught answered that full development would need to occur when any other road is
connected into East Main. Faught continued with the financing options and Goldman described additional grading
and connections for the first phase. Discussion continued around the financing options and the phasing of
development.
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to develop
erns about the high density housing location affecting the revised plan. Kampmann advocates for the
roject to be done as one project and not in phases based on System Development Charges (SDC) due to the
nknown timeline and disjointed patchwork that can accompany multi phased construction affecting the aesthetic
uality of East Main. Graf questioned the process going forward. Faught clarified the process, explaining that in
Young stressed that there should have been a Transportation Commissioner as part of the original Working Group to
give input on the revised plan earlier on in the process. Young recognized the rights of the property owner
but voiced conc
p
u
q
order for the revised plan to be approved, there needs to be an amendment to the TSP. A full recognition from the
Transportation Commission, Planning Commission, and the Working Group to accept the revised Normal
Neighborhood Plan as an amendment to the TSP would go forward to City Council for approval.
The Commission discussed proposing a formal motion to include areas from Walker to Clay Street on East Main.
Discussion continued about approving the plan as it exists or adding input to changes. The group continued to
discuss the effects of parking options, shared streets and local streets.
MOTION: Accept the presented revised plan as an amendment of the TSP with the following conditions: 1 :) Should
e development occur along East Main, at a minimum, a sidewalk is to be developed between Walker and Clay
ISCUSSION:
th
Street. 2 :) Should the development occur along the railroad tracks, at a minimum, the railroad crossing needs to be
completed.
D Graf discussed amending the motion to read multi-use path instead of sidewalk. De Mille-Campos
Walker to Clay Street.
asked for additional clarification of motion. Graf described the intention of the motion was to provide safe access for
pedestrians, especially school children if development was approved. Amarotico questioned if the improvements
were to go beyond Walker to Clay and expand to Tolman Creek. After clarification, the group agreed to at a
minimum of
Graf motioned / Viéville seconded. The motion was passed unanimously.
MOTION: Full street improvements are to be completed for East Main prior to any development creating access
along East Main.
Kampmann motioned / No second. The motion died for lack of second.
owntown Plan Discussion
about the traffic systems, extension of the existing road diet, additional loading zones and the
edians that would be present. Faught presented a draft of the plan and highlighted that there are currently no
al, explaining that the new plan would
ake the final connection of the bike lanes through the downtown core. The proposal outlined extending the road
lvd removing the Helman Street traffic signal and placing a rapid flash pedestrian
Faught discussed truck parking in the plaza. He described a traffic accident that occurred due to the current
street loading practices. Faught described creating an ordinance that would prevent trucks from parking
D
Faught presented the Downtown Parking and Multi-Modal Circulation Plan explaining the multi-modal connection
system and spoke
m
bicycle lanes through the core of downtown. Faught continued with the propos
m
diet, from North Main to Siskiyou B
beacon in its place Faught highlighted the additional details in the plan:
1. Clear bike lane to be created on North Main going south into town.
2. Clear bike lane to be created on Lithia Way going towards Medford
3. Advanced signage to prompt a divide of the traffic and bike lanes into left and right lanes allowing the
dedication of the right lane for all northbound through traffic and the left lane for downtown oriented traffic.
Transportation Commission
April 23, 2015
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where to unload. Temporary loading zones were dis l
ading needs.
the plaza area. He detailed sidewalk restructuring that would save the trees within
plaza; include a new bike lane, and the relocation of t f
aught briefly outlined newly proposed traffic signals to be placed at Oak Street, East Main and Lithia Way. The
ce
e
Viéville questioned if parking spaces would be removed within
e plaza to accommodate the bike path. Faught outlined that the parking spaces would remain, and the current
ed that the
esignation currently is set to end at 4pm, maximizing parking spaces. Faught explained that the designation
ue
leury added that the new proposed lights at Oak/Lithia/East Main will be synced with the downtown core of
with
Ama
Dow tification Project Discussion
Fleu ghlighted a new safety improvement at the corner of Winburn to replace the pedestrian bench and add a
bum
Park
SINESS
any cussed. Faught explained that he has met with severa
trucking companies to discuss lo
Faught continued to describe
the he current bus stop. He outlined that at the crossing o
East Main from Oak there would be a multi-use path that would provide transit into the plaza.
F
design would include one truck loading zone on each side of the street for every block. This plan would displa
twenty-one (21) parking spots to accommodate the loading zones and bike path. Graf questioned what th
restricted parking enforcement would look like. Faught explained that the City would work with Diamond Parking
to also monitor the proposed parking restrictions.
th
right-of-way allows enough space for a modified sidewalk.
Amarotico asked for clarification about time limits on loading zone designation. Faught explain
d
may change to an earlier time. Faught is also recommending an ordinance to the City Council to address the no
loading or double parking on East Main. Faught recommended applying with the State Transportation
Improvement Program (STIP) to assist with funding of the project. He explained that the letter of interest is d
in the next month or so, and that applications are due in August. Faught acknowledged that he is going to move
forward with the application process noting that at anytime if the plan is not approved that the application can be
withdrawn.
F
lights with audible pedestrian signals. Concern of the liquor store driveway by Lithia Way was discussed,
the following details:
1. ODOT is redesigning a new location and is working with the property owner
2. Property owner has requested to have designated 30 minute parking spaces for his business
rotico commented about how exciting the project is and that it is major for Ashland.
ntown Beau
ry hi
p out for visibility. Graf cautioned that it may be premature to focus on beautification prior to the Downtown
ing and Multi-Modal Circulation Committee making a final recommendation on the Pioneer Parking Lot.
OLD BU
None
FOLLOW UP ITEMS
Council Presentation
stions from City Council. Graf discussed presenting talking points provided by Fleury with no additional que
Audible Pedestrian Signals
Fleury outlined an update on the installation of the following signals:
1. Walker Street signal has not been installed
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2. Main Street / Lithia has been installed
t/ Pioneer has been installed
explained that he will be ordering materials to finish the project.
3. 2nd Stree
Fleury
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
nd definitions. According to Fleury, the application is still in the development stage, but a tutorial will follow at a later
ate.
Traffic Crash Mapping
Fleury announced that the GIS department has developed a web application which will display traffic crash heat map
a
d
COMMISSION OPEN DISCUSSION
None
FUTURE AGENDA TOPICS
Kampmann spoke of taking out future agenda items due to lack of interest from
ampmann stated he has added many future agenda topics which still remain o
the Transportation Commission.
n the list, such as: multi-modal public
on Siskiyou Blvd & 66, and a review of metering (traffic study). Young explained that
een discussed and are going to be addressed at a later date. Fleury explained that a
oke of some public outreach options. Young explained that a direction for public outreach or education is
ortunity for outreach and education with the Downtown Parking and Multi-
esignation, noting that he has lived in Ashland his whole life and would like to see a
so
K
outreach & education, traffic
e bmany of these items hav
corridor study is slated for later depending on grant funding. He explained that the original corridor study was to
include Sherman to Ashland, and Ashland to Walker but that funding prevented the pursuit of the study last year.
Bender sp
needed. Amarotico discussed the opp
Modal Circulation Plan.
Kampmann announced his r
commission that is little more diverse. Young acknowledged his resignation and appreciated his service. Bender al
appreciated his service and his knowledge of the City.
Young stated he would be out of town for the Mayor’s brown bag lunch on Friday, April 24th at noon. Graf said he
would try to make it in Young’s absence.
DJOURNMENTA
Meeting adjourned at 8:20 pm
Respectfully submitted,
hitney Dennis, AdministWrative Assistant
Attachments:
xhibit A - Clay / East Main / Normal E
Exhibit B - Normal Neighborhood Plan Presentation