Transportation Commission

Transportation Commission Minutes November 14, 2023, 6:00 PM Call to Order Commission Chair Addie Candib called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM Roll Call Members Present: Addie Candib, Chair; Tim Wilder, Vice Chair; Cindy Dennis; Keith Moore; Jacki Quinn; Betty Sanchez; Katy Scherrer; and Addie Yake Staff Present: Chris Behee; Michelle Cristelli; Riley Grant; Jennifer Hamilton; Steve Haugen; Natalie Monro, and Joel Pfundt Approval of Minutes Minutes approved unanimously. Public Comment Karen Bush and Gary Malick voiced appreciation for the pedestrian crossing being put in at Samish and Galbraith and suggested having the project expedited. City Staff responded that the project is planned to be implemented in 2024 Presentation: o Neighborhood Traffic Safety Program (NTSP) Implementation Presentation given by Chris Behee, Natalie Monro, Joel Pfundt and Steve Haugen. Chris presented on the social vulnerability index which is developed by the Center for Disease Control/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Discussion among TC members followed Chris’ portion of the presentation. Natalie highlighted ways that City staff proposes to effectively with people in selected neighborhoods to proactively seek ideas for the NTSP from community members. Joel presented the proposed process by which community input, as well as data collection and analysis would be used to identify and prioritize NTSP projects. The proposed approach would result in two separate project categories, “safety projects” and “community projects”. Discussion: TC member suggested adding the data collection analysis after the project is implemented to see if what we are doing is effective. TC Member suggested replacing the word collecting with discussion/identification of issues. TC Member suggested coming up with a better name for the “community projects”, because we talk so much about community in the NTSP goal and description. Steve expressed the need for neighborhood refinement before projects reach the prioritization phase which will help reduce the number of projects coming in from each neighborhood which in turn will expedite the process. TC Member emphasized the need to manage expectations, they also stated that program needs to be supported by data, funding, and staffing. TC member expressed the importance of having a system in place that can  help be a voice for people and groups that don’t know how to advocate for themselves. Realizing that the loudest groups aren’t always the groups who need the most assistance. TC member suggested letting community members get together and collaborate on different designs for areas along with potentially getting small groups together to sort out some of the suggested projects. Natalie asked the board members what role they see for the Commission when it comes to project selection and prioritization and if they think it should be back to the community and neighborhoods. TC Member suggested that first group of neighborhoods should get plenty of notice and possibly be smaller to pilot initial program concept. TC member suggested staying close to the scoring processes, which Steve agreed with. TC member wants to continue to work within the Commission to refine the criteria in which projects are scored and ranked so that PW staff can continue to improve the criteria. o Bicycle Master Plan Status Report The updated network map and prioritization is being worked on by our consultant to consider the suggestions of the commissioners. This will be rolling out in December as part of the engagement process. Virtual open houses are planned for the evening of December 6 th and lunchtime on December 7th. o Sustainable Urban Transportation and Public Space in Copenhagen Katy Sherrer, Transportation Commissioner, presented on transportation related project example and findings from past trips to Copenhagen, Denmark, in her capacity as a landscape architect for COurban Design Collective. She also explained how some of these ideas have been applied in Washington State. Announcements: Commissioner Moore: Transportation Commission might have something to say about how our streets are used for different types of transport, which seems to be an issue with the metal machines downtown. Joel: Reminder that elections for 2024 chair and vice chair are planned for next month. Natalie: The lighted bike parade is coming up on December 9 th. Adjournment Meeting adjourned @ 7:58 PM