Everett Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC)

TAC MINUTES June 19, 2014 In attendance: Members Staff Guests Robert Strickland Tim Miller, Public Works Vince Mandarano Edward Koltonowski Manuel Garcia, Everett Police J.T. Dray Jeffrey Marks, Public Works William Weber Ryan Sass, Public Works Kris Hausmann Ken Dorn, Everett Police Tom Norcott Trevor Townsend, Everett Police George Baxter, Everett Transit Tom Hingson, Everett Transit 8:20 a.m. Robert Strickland called the meeting to order. He stated that Victor had an emergency and would not be able to attend.  M/S/P approving the May 2014 meeting minutes. Announcements & Requests to Add Agenda Items  Kris Hausmann had asked to not have an August meeting. However, George Baxter stated that it was needed, as changes were to be discussed about Everett Transit.  Manuel Garcia, Police, came as a representative to the Casino Road Football Academy. He described it as a week-long soccer activity for kids, along with entertainment. The event keeps kids off the streets and promotes community awareness and involvement. The Academy is looking for donations, such as equipment and money. 100% of every donation goes to the kids. The camp was to be held from June 23 – June 27. Citizen’s Comments  Vince Mandarano, a resident, talked about his concern regarding re-parking issues as they affect those with disabled permit placards, particularly around Hewitt and Rockefeller. He stated that because of the repark ordinance, he cannot travel to or transport neighbors to appointments such as doctor appointments. Upon returning he is not able to repark his vehicle anywhere in the repark emphasis area. Because he is disabled, this is a hardship. Staff confirmed that people with disabled permits currently are not exempted from the re-parking ordinance. Staff will investigate options and report back to TAC in a future meeting. Engineering Report  Ryan Sass stated the City Council on June 18 acted on the motion to create a Transportation Benefit District (TBD). A future action will be taken on how to fund it. Some ideas considered were to institute a $20 annual car tab fee. There could also be a sales tax increase, which would require a public vote. Ryan added the TBD revenues were not going to provide increased funding, but would instead allow the City to continue to maintain the roadway systems at a level analogous to previous levels.   Ryan notified the committee that the traffic impact mitigation ordinance fee increase had been approved by the City Council, but will come into effect January 1, 2015. Discussion ensued around the nature of vesting new codes. Ryan mentioned to expect seeing a rush of applications for new development or change-of-use prior to the new ordinance taking effect.  Ryan updated the committee about the status of Grants. He said that federal grants have been approved for surface transportation, specifically for the Grand Avenue Pedestrian Utility Bridge, in the amount of $2 million. The current timeline starts with the bridge design, with probability of construction occurring in 2016. The Port of Everett is also working on trying to create a development plan for the waterfront.  Ryan stated that a grant for $1 million had been received for preservation and maintenance of streets. This grant will go towards overlays. It is a grant that we must typically compete for every other year.  Ryan updated the committee on the Broadway Bridge project. City Council approved sending the project out to bid. Funding is now in line. The current annual inspection of the bridge changed load restrictions. Ryan said he expected an October/November start for the detour routes. The bridge will be closed and demolished in 2015. Police Report  No report. Transit Report  George reported that paratransit and fixed routes are still going. He also stated that the new bus stop signs are ready to be installed.  George stated that there will be some minor alterations to routes in August, but these schedule changes will not be significant. Some questions were asked about being able to see boarding counts. George stated that the numbers are entered into a database which would need to be queried. Due to the configuration of the database, queries can only be made about certain stops, and not the entire database.  It was mentioned that the Beta test of the new ETA (Everett Transit Arrival time) went very well. The plan is to go into effect at the end of August. Brochures and fliers will distributed the end of August explaining how to use the service. Agenda Item: Item 1: Video of Lynnwood Link Light Rail Preferred Alternative  A video was shown that demonstrated the proposed outlook of how the light rail system would run from Northgate toward Lynnwood, with projected stops along the way. Item 2: Presentation on proposed naming of the bike trail from Grand/Everett around the tip of Everett to Pigeon Creek to “Sawdust Trail”  A group of citizens have combined to propose naming the bike trail to “Sawdust Trail,” with ideas of including historical interpretative signs to honor the City’s mill history. It was stated that the TAC can recommend this name, pass on it, or offer an alternative. The possibility of bringing in members of the bike group to discuss the issue was discussed, as it was a unanimous feeling among the committee that the name “Sawdust Trail” wasn’t the best name  to give the trail. A motion was made that the committee choose to discuss other options in naming trail, and would like to give feedback to proponents and offer collaboration. Item 3: Prepared Comments – J.T. Dray  J.T. presented some suggestions for TAC to consider regarding Everett Transit. He focused on Everett Station, with ideas to review operations and a desire to revert to the policy of the station as it existed 10 years ago. Also, he highlighted how upkeep, maintenance, and security needed to be addressed, including better signage around Everett Station. Regarding the consultant evaluation of Everett Transit, he hoped the TAC board would be able to see and comment on the consultant’s recommendations. Item 4: TAC Discussion of Everett Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element, Part III Transportation Goals, Objectives and Policies  It was agreed to table this Item until August’s meeting. In the meantime, members can send comments and concerns to Ryan. Meeting adjourned at 9:50 am The Next Scheduled Meeting is Thursday August 21, 2014.