Everett Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC)

TAC MINUTES November 19, 2015 In attendance: Members Staff Guests William Weber Ryan Sass, Public Works None Shawn Smith George Baxter, Transit Victor Harris Ken Dorn, Police Tom Norcott John Zeka, Police Tim Manrow Jeffrey Marks, Public Works Tim Miller, Public Works 8:15 a.m. Chairman William Weber called the meeting to order.  M/S/P approving July minutes.  M/S/P approving October minutes. Announcements & Requests to Add Agenda Items  Victor wished to congratulate all the people involved in putting together the project addressing the flow of traffic from 41st Street to W Marine View Drive.  Victor also thanked George for the recommendation to become a part of the Snohomish Transportation Coalition.  Shawn Smith asked about sewer and storm work in the north end of town, and that it had left asphalt in bad shape. Ryan stated that the pavement would likely be ground and overlaid or replaced as a part of the project.  Ryan thanked Tom Norcott for his years of service on the TAC Committee, and how he has appreciated Tom’s thoughtful approach to the issues. Citizen’s Comments  None Engineering Report  Ryan announced that TAC is looking for new members. If members know of others who might be interested to please let him or Tim know so they can get vetted.  Ryan mentioned the Mayor’s holiday social on December 8th.  Ryan announced the passing of Governor Inslee’s Connecting Washington funding package. He stated this was a very important transportation package that results in funding for many projects that benefit Everett.  Ryan reported that the Broadway Bridge was nearing completion and would open again before the end of the year. He said before the bridge could be opened to traffic, pavement markings and some additional electrical work need to be completed, and that this would require good weather. Victor asked about parking being available on the bridge. Ryan said it is a 5 lane bridge, plus parking; however, parking will be closed until the contractor finishes the aesthetics, final pedestrian barriers and throw fence.   Ryan briefly mentioned the 41st Street to West Marine View Drive project. He stated that the project will create improvements at 3 intersections, addressing choke points and pedestrian improvements.  There was some discussion on putting a root barrier on Colby in the medians. Ryan mentioned a strategy would need to be put in place with the Streets department.  Tom Norcott asked about the Governor’s plan, if it contained funds for sidewalks and how sidewalks were prioritized. Ryan stated that the City doesn’t build sidewalks as a standalone “sidewalk” project; but sidewalks are included in roadway projects and as frontage improvements when a developer builds. The City repairs sidewalks, but doesn’t have funding for a new sidewalk construction plan. There was some minor discussion about property boundaries and rights-of-way. Police Report  Sargent Zeka reported that the North Everett Bicycle Safety Grant continues on. The grant utilizes off-duty officers.  Sargent Zeka and Sargent Dorn talked briefly about the November 17th windstorm. There were a lot of down power lines, but Police, Fire, and Public Works worked well together to handle the mess. The north end of town was hit particularly hard. Transit Report  George reported that the remodel of Everett Station was underway and that Transit offices will be moving around January 11th.  George announced there will be upcoming opportunities for public comment on the service changes slated for 2016. These service changes will take place in August, including re-route changes, especially with the re-opening of the Broadway Bridge.  George also talked about the Broadway bus bulb project, funded by the State. He stated the design work for this project would occur in 2016, with construction beginning in 2017. Public outreach will begin in March/April. The project will be a team effort between Public Works’ engineers and Transit. Some bus stops will be moved as a result of the project.  George announced that the Community Transit sales tax passed, making the Swift 2 project a “go.”  There was some considerable discussion surrounding the difference between Transit and school buses, with an outlook of how transportation responsibilities will have to evolve over the next 10 to 20 years. George stated that Transit was prohibited from providing school district transportation due to federal funding restrictions. Plus, most schools contract out student transportation to a third party. Agenda Items: Item 1: Transit Issue Presentation  Due to J.T.’s absence, this item has been moved to the next meeting. Item 2: TAC 2016 Chairman Selection  Tim Manrow was nominated and selected to be next year’s Chairman; Shawn Smith was elected to be the Vice Chair. Next Scheduled Meeting: January 21, 2015