Everett Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC)

TAC MINUTES April 21, 2016 In attendance: Members Staff Guests Edward Koltonowski Tim Miller, Public Works Todd Cudaback Tim Manrow George Baxter, Transit Cal Ferguson T.J. Fournier Ryan Sass, Public Works Shawn Smith Jeffrey Marks, Public Works William Weber Scott Bader, City Council Liaison Robert Strickland John Zeka, Police Victor Harris Ken Dorn, Police J.T. Dray Euneka Richards, Public Works Paul Kaftanski, Admin 8:15 a.m. Tim Manrow called the meeting to order.  M/S/P approving March minutes. Announcements & Requests to Add Agenda Items  None. Citizen’s Comments  Todd Cudaback spoke regarding the impact on his business, Everett Hydraulics, when it comes to re-striping Grand Avenue. He stated 10 months ago there weren’t any plans to change the striping, but now there is, and this new plan will take away 1/3 of the space he uses to do business when it comes to parking vehicles. He expressed that he had been in the same space for 17 years and this new plan feels like the City is trying to push him out. He was hoping the City could find an alternative that would still allow him to conduct business. He also stated he knows he won’t be able to continue in his current location long term because of redevelopment pressure. He has been planning to relocate to an industrial district but needs more time to finance the change.  Cal Ferguson spoke alongside Mr. Cudaback. He stated he has operated Aalbu Brothers in the same location for 50 years, and it had been there since 1906. With the new plan, he says will no longer be able to get trucks in and will need to unload in the street. He used to park two semis side by side on the street. With the development of the Farmers Market it has been very difficult to make his business work. He also wants more time to make plans on what to do next. He asked if the blue zone dimensions could include some space on the sidewalk as well. He also commented that traffic speeds on their block of Grand Ave were like a “speedway”. He stated he needs to unload trucks from both sides using a forklift. He wonders why there is no time limit parking along the Farmers Market, and that pickup trucks parking there sometimes stick out too far.  There was considerable discussion with Mr. Cudaback and Mr. Ferguson as to possible solutions. Ryan stated that traffic staff would contact them with some possibilities within the next two weeks.   Victor Harris expressed disenchantment with Sound Transit and the ST3 proposals.  Victor also talked about the hit and run at Pecks Drive, as well mentioning highway challenges and safety at Hawthorne school.  There was a question as to how long the lights underneath Broadway Bridge would last. Ryan stated that the lights were a BNSF requirement. These lights are induction lighting and resistant to vibration, with a life expectancy of over 15 years.  Ryan addressed the concerns about Hawthorne School by mentioning the Safe Routes to School project. This project adds sidewalks, new crossings, and will narrow lanes of traffic.  Some discussion ensued about traffic around the hospital. Sergeant Dorn and Sergeant Zeka stated they weren’t familiar with the hospital area. Bob Strickland brought up some of the history of traffic concerns that had been brought to TAC a few years ago. There was mention of the hospital possibly planning a new expansion, though Ryan stated he wasn’t aware of any details regarding an expansion at this time. Tim Manrow requested a contact from the hospital regarding neighborhood impacts and Ryan agreed to forward him that contact information. Engineering Report  Ryan reported that the Broadway Bridge project has been completed.  Ryan announced an ST3 open house on April 25, from 5:30 – 7:30 PM at Everett Station. April 29th is the public comment deadline. There was some discussion on the ST3 light rail projections and potential problems. Police Report  None Transit Report  George Baxter reported that Transit is pursuing grants that would allow for the ET fleet to go all electric. Right now, ET is looking at different types of buses with input from the University of Texas, Austin. The transition, if funding is granted, would take a couple of years.  George stated that ET has kicked off their Long-Range Transit Plan and has hired a consulting firm to assist. He said that it will include input from multiple departments, including work from the planning department, engineering, and others. He stated it would be the better part of a year to complete. It is a 20 year planning horizon document. Public and employee input will be sought during the process.  George reported that public comments have been received for the proposed August service changes and are currently being reviewed. He said most comments were positive. He will provide an overview at the May meeting.  J.T. commented on Tom Hingson’s visit to TAC last month along with the proposal. He stated that ET doesn’t go out and seek comments or get opinions before the planning process, therefore making public opinion less impactful or a real part of the process. He requested more transparency with the public when it came to operations and planning. Agenda Items: Item 1: North Broadway Transit Improvement Project – Postponed due to time constraints and will be re-scheduled for a later meeting. J.T. request a digital copy of the bulb-outs on Broadway be sent for review, prior to the discussion. Item 2: Pedestrian Safety Projects Grant Application Briefing – Euneka Richards gave an overview of the projects being proposed for funding. The purpose of the program is to enhance safety and mobility for people who choose to walk or bike. There are three proposals in this plan: 1. Everett Avenue – Rucker to Broadway pedestrian safety. Curbs, ramps, and pushbuttons are some of the items to be addressed. 2. Downtown Everett pedestrian plan, which will also include curbs, ramps, and pushbuttons, but will also address curb bulbs at Rockefeller and Wall Street. 3. Pacific Avenue to Interurban Trail. This is primarily a bicycle plan, with a design to include 10” sidewalks north of 41st from Hoyt to Colby. There was some additional discussion about the Safe Route to School plan. It is State and Federally funded, with the intent to improve infrastructure within 2 miles of a school to increase the number of kids walking and biking to school. The application is due May 13th. Adjourned at 10:05 a.m. Next Scheduled Meeting: May 19, 2016