Transportation Commission

Transportation Commission Minutes March 12, 2024, 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; Caroline Dietzgen; Keith Moore; Jacki Quinn; Betty Sanchez; Katy Scherrer Members Absent: Tim Wilder, Vice Chair; Cindy Dennis Staff Present: Michelle Cristelli; Riley Grant; Steve Haugen; Karri Neuhauser; Joel Pfundt, Shane Sullivan, and Mike Wilson Approval of Minutes Approved unanimously with additional statement that Commissioners were not given adequate time to review the Pedestrian Master Plan prior to approval. Public Comment Alex Lopez encouraged the Commission to vote in favor of the Holly Street Pilot Project with additional suggestions and thoughts regarding the project. Agenda Items: Commissioner Appointments, Reappointments, and Resignations Addie Yake has resigned from the Transportation Commission, Keith Moore was appointed for a second term and Caroline Dietzgen was appointed for their first term with the commission. There is currently still one vacancy needing to be filled. Holly Street Bike Lane Pilot Project Joel presented the origin of the project and the history of bike lane implementation on Holly Street. There was engagement done with the Downtown Partnership, Whatcom Transportation Authority, Western Washington University and Smart Trips, there were about 50 people that attended a Walk and Roll membership meeting. A summary of all the outreach was provided. Steve and Shane presented the logistics of the project. They explained that they used existing data to understand how people are currently using Holly Street and a traffic model was created to anticipate how traffic will change with the addition of the bike lanes. City staff answered questions and collected comments from Commissioners. Commission moved to endorse implementing the Holly Street Pilot Project in May 2024. Motion carried and passed unanimously. Pedestrian Master Plan Update Implementation Plan Catalyst Projects Joel presented on the implementation of the Pedestrian Master Plan and how each project is ranked and scored. There is resource-independent/goal-based prioritization based on safety, equity, accessibility, connectivity, and trip potential. There are three different categories of projects: 1. Catalyst projects, which are larger projects that create a lot of connections and larger benefit. 2. Complimentary projects, which combine projects together that are close in proximity to each other 3. Opportunity projects, which leverage other infrastructure projects, such as like utility replacements. The strategy for implementation is to develop fundable project packages, identify opportunity projects, align planning efforts, explore partnerships and focus on equity. Discussion was had between Commission members and city staff regarding the Pedestrian Master Plan. The final draft of the Pedestrian Master Plan will be provided to the Commission for review and endorsement prior to being presented to City Council. 2024 Local Road Safety Plan Joel presented findings and recommended actions included in the 2024 Local Road Safety Plan. Key findings included, many pedestrian and bike crashes happen in marked crosswalks, this means the City should continue to focus on doing more to make crosswalks and intersections safer. A spatial and demographic analysis was done, risk factors include active transportation facilities in downtown and on high volume arterials in North Bellingham, intersection control, and following too closely on high volume arterials. Countermeasures for transportation safety include active transportation network improvements and crossing enhancements. Discussion was had between Commission members and city staff regarding bike and pedestrian safety within the city. Capital Projects Update Mike Wilson gave a brief presentation on the current capital projects that are part of the Six-year Transportation Improvement Plan including: Parkview Safe Routes to School, West Illinois, and Telegraph Rd. Neighborhood Traffic Safety Program Work is being done to update the conceptual flow chart based on feedback from the Commission members. Adjournment Meeting adjourned @ 7:59 PM