Everett Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC)

TAC MINUTES January 21, 2016 In attendance: Members Staff Guests Tim Manrow Tim Miller, Public Works Keri Moore, Snohomish Health Dist Edward Koltonowski George Baxter, Transit Victor Harris Ken Dorn, Police T.J. Fournier John Zeka, Police J.T. Dray Mike Braley, Police William Weber Jeffrey Marks, Public Works Robert Strickland Scott Bader, City Council Liaison 8:20 a.m. Chairman Tim Manrow called the meeting to order. He welcomed new member T.J. Fournier to the committee. Scott Bader joined later in the meeting, as he was attending the Mayor’s State of the City address.  M/S/P approving November minutes. Announcements & Requests to Add Agenda Items  Victor expressed concern for decisions and pending recommendations to the Planning Commission that dealt with amending community center parking which had not been brought before the TAC as well as Transit. Victor felt changes in how the language was written might be used to affect future projects with impacts on traffic. Ed Koltonowski asked if there was anything the TAC could do. He wondered if upcoming changes were to affect municipal code and that such changes met the transportation elements of the comprehensive plan. Considerable discussion ensued about how large an impact this particular issue may or may not have. Victor decided that he would hold on this issue for now.  Victor asked if the pedestrian crossing at Bond Street was going to be re-opened, considering that the railroad had changed its viewpoint. Tim Miller stated that there are still issues with the railroad, as well as concerns as to land on the water side for the bridge landing. BNSF currently will not allow reopening of the at-grade crossing. Citizen’s Comments  Tim Miller said that traffic engineering was looking Flashing Yellow Arrow left-turn signal alterations on Evergreen Way as requested by Edward Koltonowski, to see what improvements could be made.  Ed asked about road conditions on Mukilteo Boulevard where pavement had been replaced, near the Glenwood area. He mentioned there were quite a few potholes. Tim Miller stated he didn’t know the cause of the potholes, but they have been repaired.  Keri Moore, Snohomish Health District, announced that the District will be visiting all elementary schools throughout the County and assessing them for biking and walking conditions. She would be willing to give a presentation to the TAC at a later date. She stated that the District will be making recommendations for pedestrian improvements on an individual school level. Engineering Report  Tim Miller stated that Ryan Sass was on vacation. Tim updated the TAC on the opening of Broadway Bridge. He stated that as of 12/8, there were a few items still remaining, but were actionable while the bridge was open and in use. These included a throw-fence, along with aesthetic treatments, such as lights.  Tim stated that the freight mobility project was soon going to bid. This project was to cover freight mobility on 41st and Rucker, Rucker to Pacific, and Pacific to West Marine View Drive.  Tim mentioned that Pacific and Broadway safety projects were going out to bid. These projects are meant to provide enhanced crossings and ADA ramps.  J.T. asked about the bus bulbs being planned for Broadway. He was also interested in the location of the bus stops. George mentioned this project was part of a transit grant. He stated Transit will be going out to the public for their input, especially for shifting stops. This will happen when the draft proposal is finished. J.T. asked how the new college was going to be accommodated. George stated that a new bus stop was going to be put in at 10th Street, with another stop at Tower Street being served by Community Transit and Island Transit. George stated that Transit is just now starting the process due to the grant money. He stated that Transit will make sure traffic engineers agree with the stops and changes before going to the public.  Councilmember Scott Bader joined the group as Council Liaison to TAC, having returned from the Mayor’s State of the City address. He mentioned that he had been a former member of the TAC group from years back. Police Report  None Transit Report  George announced that Transit administration had moved to Everett Station, 2nd floor, north side of the building. He stated that operations have remained at the Cedar Street location, including paratransit.  George stated that Transit was beginning the process for its annual service changes which would go into effect in August. He said that he will bring these changes to the TAC in either February or March, and prefaced it with potential changes for Routes 4 and 5 (circular routes) and possibly Route 2 in South Everett.  George mentioned that Transit can afford to add service hours with the upcoming changes, however Transit is lacking enough buses. More service could possibly be added in mornings, evenings, or weekends, but not during peak hours.  George announced that there are 3 paratransit vans on order, due to arrive in the spring.  George stated that Everett Transit was partnering with the Puget Sound Regional Council so the regional transit systems can coordinate services. It is all about how the various transit agencies interface, dealing with service changes, marketing, and other aspects. The goal is to make using transit easier for the public.  George talked about Transit’s participation in the Orca2 project. He stated that a regional committee has formed to look at the future of how it will work, as there is a lot of interest to  improve the services. He stated that currently over 60% of current Transit users are using Orca. Operationally for E.T., it helps with the fair boxes.  George announced that the federal government has come out with more reporting requirements. These requirements focus on asset management, primarily for rail systems. Nevertheless, he stated these new reporting requirements will require a additional of work from staff.  Ed asked about the automated passenger counting system. George stated that Sabina Popa is continuing to do the manual as well as automatic passenger count methods through the end of this year. This allows checking of the automated system results. Ed also asked about recent monthly ridership numbers. George said he would provide that information in the future.  J.T. commended Transit for how the website stated during the holiday season that buses to Everett Mall Station would be avoiding the last two stops due to heavy congestion. He mentioned that there wasn’t any information when it came to detours and wondered if notices were posted at the actual stops. He also wondered if too many buses were serving the mall, as he was seeing them back up.  J.T. also expressed concern for how upcoming service changes would be addressed for the public. He demonstrated that the last changes were addressed by a small brochure which, by its appearance, didn’t really speak to the magnitude and importance of the changes and so many people didn’t read it. He stated a larger sign would have been more preferable and that future notifications could use better signage to alert passengers.  Victor asked if there were any plans to acquire more buses based on federal changes? George said last September a transit development plan was submitted which included new buses. George stated that for things to work, Transit may have to acquire some funding that may not be from federal grants. Agenda Items: Item 1: Transit Issue Presentation by JT Dray – JT related his disappointment that his comments regarding transit were not incorporated in the Transportation Element update to the Comprehensive Plan. He mentioned a new transit program is being introduced in the Boston area called Bridj [www.bridj.com] . It uses a smaller sized transit buses (similar to ET’s paratransit vehicles) on a demand basis. Users can request rides be formed fairly shortly before their need via smartphone or computer. The service is available only for select zones. George Baxter commented paratransit rides cost about $35. ET is starting work on a Long Range Strategic Plan. They intend to utilize consultant help. The process is expected to take a year and will develop plans for 5, 10 and 20 year horizons. Edward urged ET to consider coordinating their efforts with other transit agency’s work. Item 2: Community Transit Seaway Transit Center – Tim presented an overview of CT’s planned transit center at Seaway & 75th. Graphics were presented showing the general layout and support areas for various transit agencies (CT, Swift, KC Metro) and Boeing Shuttle. Construction is anticipated in 2017. Edward suggested adding a northbound right turn lane. Victor urged coordination with light rail planning. Next Scheduled Meeting: February 18, 2016