Committee of the Whole

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE City Hall – Council Chambers February 1, 2021 The Committee of the Whole met at City Hall via teleconference at 5:50 p.m. on February 1, 2021, with the following Committee persons in attendance: Mayor Robert M. Green, Frank Darrah, Susan deBuhr, Kelly Dunn, Simon Harding, Daryl Kruse, Mark Miller, and Dave Sires. Staff members teleconferenced in from all City Departments. Amie Rivers with the Waterloo Courier, Mark Perington and Wade Greiman from Snyder and Associates, as well as members of the community teleconferenced in. Mayor Green called the meeting to order and introduced the only item on the agenda, Main Street Traffic Study. Chase Schrage Director of Public Works introduced Mark Perington and Wade Greiman both from Snyder and Associates, both will review the study presentation tonight. Mr. Perington stated the traffic study was done in 2016- 2017 and presented to council the summer of 2017. He said the study was of the Main Street corridor from 6th street to University Avenue. It is a 4-lane roadway and was last updated with an asphalt overlay in 2003. The roadway is in disrepair and the utilities and street lighting need updating. Mr. Perington stated in 2017 they gathered public input. He then reviewed data to compare reconstruction alternatives to plan for all modes of transportation. He reported on current crash data which shows a drop in accidents. He reported on projected traffic growth, stating there may be little or no growth over the current capacity of approximately 10,000 vehicles. Mr. Perington reviewed the three alternatives; 1) reconstruction of existing four-lanes; 2) reconstruction with three-lane throughout with a center turn lane; or 3) reconstruction with 3-lane south of 18th Street with center turn lane and Boulevard north of 18th Street. He reviewed the pros and cons for each alternative. He stated alternatives two or three accommodate more modes of traffic, increase safety/speed control, improve traffic flow and improve aesthetics throughout the corridor. Mr. Perington stated roundabouts are feasible at Seerley, 18th and 12th intersections, however additional information for right of way and utilities impacts will be necessary. He reviewed diagrams of each of these intersections, stating these roundabouts will improve the corridor travel time, with a reduction of 20-30 seconds. He reviewed various grant opportunities for funding the project. He stated the next steps in the process are for the design and right of way to begin in FY2022 and construction to be done in phases in FY2023-FY2025. Mr. Perington stated the recommendation is for a three-lane corridor with on street bike lanes, roundabouts at 12th, 18th and Seerley intersections, and recommends applying for Iowa DOT TSIP funding. Mayor Green opened it for council discussion. Councilmember Kruse asked about a roundabout at 6th Street; stated there are sufficient bike lanes on adjacent streets; and has concerns with the three-lane boulevard option due to emergency responders being able to pass. Mr. Perington stated 6th and Main would be very tight intersection for a roundabout. He explained the four-lane option with roundabouts would need more ROW. Wade Greiman explained how bicyclists maneuver roundabouts. Councilmember Sires asked for costs estimates on the three alternatives. Mr. Greiman stated in the City’s Capital Improvements Plan has it is estimated at $8.3 million, however with three roundabouts it would be closer to $10 million, stating both prices include updating of utilities and street lighting. Councilmember Harding asked if the four-lane option could have a single lane roundabout?; What is the projected decrease in accidents with the three-lane option?; and Can a copy of the public input document be forwarded to the councilmembers? He said he wants to see what the comments were from the commercial businesses, churches, and residents. Councilmember deBuhr stated the original design concept only had looked at roundabouts at 12th and 18th intersections, what was the cost of a roundabout at Seerley? Mr. Perington reminded the council in 2016-2017 it was the start of University Avenue reconstruction and says there seems to be an overall acceptance of roundabouts now. Mr. Greiman stated they can put together a breakdown of cost estimates, and we will know better once we have a better understanding of the Seerley box culvert. Councilmember Darrah asked about the involvement of the Bike taskforce and the number of bike accidents. Mayor Green stated it looks like a consensus of the council another meeting would be necessary to discuss the items council members brought forward tonight. There being no further discussion, Mayor Green adjourned the meeting at 6:53 p.m. Minutes by Lisa Roeding, Controller/City Treasurer