Everett Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC)

TAC MINUTES March 21, 2013 In attendance: Members Staff Ed Koltonowski Ryan Sass, Everett PW Michael Brick, Everett PW Tom Norcott Tim Miller, Everett PW Corey Hert, Everett PW Shawn Smith Euneka Richards, Everett PW J.T. Dray George Baxter, Everett Transit Kris Hausmann Bruce Bosman, Everett PD Victor Harris Jeffrey Marks, Everett PW Paul Roberts, (liaison) 8:18 a.m. Ed Koltonowski called the meeting to order.  M/S/P approving February 2013 meeting minutes. Announcements  None.  Victor mentioned he was at an author’s presentation for a book titled “Suddenly Blind.” He asked the author what the biggest barrier was since becoming blind. The author responded “transportation.” Citizen’s Comments  None. Engineering Report  Ryan updated the committee on the upcoming Broadway Bridge replacement. He said that BNSF has the language in the C & M agreement, so things are coming into place and the project is moving forward. He also stated that the City is working with Volunteers of America on how to serve their building, since they are in the construction zone. Plans are near 100%. Ryan is optimistic for a summer start. Once things with BNSF are signed, the City will release items for public information and will have a better idea of the start date. Traffic control plans (detours) are coming along.  Ed asked about other roadway construction which the Bridge project could impact. Ryan stated that it could possibly impact 529.  Tim stated that Euneka will complete another Accessible Pedestrian Signal pushbutton upgrade intersection on Pacific. TAC members can see the results at the Hoyt, Colby and Wetmore intersections on Pacific Police Report  None. Transit Report  It was reported that a bus shelter in North Everett was destroyed by a car earlier in the morning.  George reported that the new hybrid buses are arriving and that they are being prepped for the road. 7 total buses will be delivered over the next week. An additional 5 par transit buses will arriving, too. Transit will be donating 3 old vans to particular agencies. These agencies can be non-profit, local or non-local. There is an application process, but the buses would be donated for free.  George reported that the radio system upgrade has begun. Transit has been required to narrow the band per FCC and are working with a wireless provider in Everett to do that with the new system. The new system will have an improved range, talk-groups, etc. It will also be a transformation from analog to digital.  Tom initiated a discussion around the pros and cons of using the radio system versus cell phones. George explained that radios are for bus-to-bus, bus-to-station. Cell phones are very costly, and drivers are not allowed to use a cell phone while driving, due to State laws. Along with compounding minutes amongst all drivers, cell phones are too costly. Transit is planning on getting rid of current cells and run data over the radio system, which costs nothing. The radio also offers greater flexibility over cell phones.  Victor pointed out that if drivers need to deviate from their routes due to accidents or other issues, notifications would be easier to receive through the radio than the cell phone.  George stated that the radio system will also give Transit the ability to track buses using an online tracking system in combination with Google maps. Some discussion ensued as to whether customers will be able to obtain real-time information on where buses are located through the use of smart phones. George said transit is working on something like that.  George reported that Transit is finalizing the maintenance and repair agreement with Community Transit. There is no cost to this agreement; it simply outlines what agency is responsible for what duties.  George reported that Transit was in the final stages of negotiations with KAFF Engineering Consultants for the parking garage preliminary design. Details will be going to Council in the next few weeks. He is looking for a 30% design plan to be completed by the end of the year. He also stated that there will be a number of outreach and stakeholder meetings to discuss features. Tom asked if it was a competitive bid, and George replied that it was. But the decision was not based on dollars, but who people think will do the best job. George also mentioned there is $30,000 grant for the project. The primary focus once the project moves forward is to get as much environmental stuff done as possible.  Victor asked about security for the new garage. George stated that security is within the scope, so they will be asking the designer to incorporate security within its design.  J.T. reported that he had attended the February 25th community meeting that George and Tom Hingson had put together for public input. He stated that it was an excellent idea and well attended. He suggested a greater window of notice beyond the original 10 days. He also  asked about Regional Trip Planning Software and a personal website, which could be funded through selling or leasing of space at Everett Station. He felt the current website is not intuitive or user friendly.  Ed recalled the last meeting with Mayor Ray Stephanson. In the meeting, he had asked the Mayor what he wanted from TAC, and felt it would be a prudent to ask what the TAC wanted to see from the staff. What would TAC like staff to present? What would we like to see? Ed offered that people bring agenda items which the TAC would like to see over the course of a year.  Paul Roberts suggested revisiting what has been documented for the TAC’s purpose – provide some re-focus; to review the mission statement, charter, and ordinance which created the TAC. Agenda Items: Item 1 Quick Response Safety Project Tim Miller and Corey Hert gave a presentation on the Quick Response Safety Project.  Ads going out this fall. The goal is to reduce fatal and serious collisions.  City has received funding for 2 projects (~$800,000)  1st Project: Citywide Guardrails ($470K). o Upgrades guardrails to current standards o Examples of guardrails currently in the system were shown. o Mukilteo Boulevard has the most to be replaced. o Ed asked if the guardrail plans are in concert with the bike plan. Ryan stated that the City always looks at the bike plan when doing most design projects.  2nd Project: NE Evergreen Way & Rucker Drive ($411K) o To improve lighting for crosswalks; ADA ramps; replace poles – move them back to help remove visual clutter at bus stop.  Victor asked about pedestrian safety concerns at bus shelters, especially the dangers of potentially being hit by a car running out of control. Ryan said a look at collision history could be done to determine if more support needed to be considered for safety concerns.  Paul Roberts acknowledged that sequestration may affect funding for departments and projects and to remain cognizant of that reality. Meeting adjourned at 9:35am The Next Scheduled Meeting is Thursday April 18, 2013