Everett Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC)

TAC MINUTES September 15, 2016 In attendance: Members Staff Guests T.J. Fournier Tim Miller, Public Works David Stalheim, Planning Victor Harris George Baxter, Transit J.T. Dray Jeffrey Marks, Public Works William Weber Euneka Richards, Public Works Shawn Smith Michael Brick, Public Works Tim Manrow Ken Dorn, Police Edward Koltonowski John Zeka, Police Paul Kaftanski, Administration 8:00 a.m. Tim Manrow called the meeting to order.  M/S/P for August Minutes. Sergeant Dorn corrected the WSP reference in the Police part of the minutes. Announcements & Requests to Add Agenda Items  J.T. wished to bring Tim Manrow up to date on some of his concerns while Tim has been absent. He talked about the recommendation of having the City form a committee devoted to Everett Transit issues. J.T. noted that the Charter Review Committee recommended to City Council to consider whether or not to have a separate Transit Advisory type of committee formed, and that the Council will consider the idea.  J.T. added that the increase of 15 minutes to the TAC meetings was not adequate, especially if the committee was not going to be talking about the strategic plan. He was not satisfied with the lack of coverage in this area.  Victor asked about the traffic diversion at Norton and Pacific. Tim Miller stated that it would affect northbound traffic, requiring it to only turn right.  A request was made for a radar speed trailer to be deployed at 34th and Wetmore for stop sign issues.  An announcement was made that Snohomish County PW was holding a workshop later this evening that was focusing on ADA upgrades. Some minor discussion ensued about the City’s assessment for ADA compliance.  Ed Koltonowski requested a future agenda item relating to pedestrian connectivity and trails. A question was raised whether trails came under the Parks Department.  J.T. requested if it was possible to have Dongho Chang, former city employee now working for the City of Seattle, to make a visit and explain how Seattle’s approach is to cars, pedestrians, and bikes. He stated it would be a good idea to see how other communities are approaching these matters. Citizen’s Comments   None. Engineering Report  Tim reported that the Hawthorne school project is 99% complete.  Tim announced a few safety projects that were underway, including striping on Pacific for a crosswalk to Denny’s.  Plans will soon be issued for Phases 2 & 3 of the downtown street project, affecting Hoyt and Rucker.  It was announced that there will be planning for highway and interchange revisions on US 2 at the east end of the trestle in Lake Stevens. The City assisted in selecting a consultant for this endeavor.  Tim announced that the stop sign replacement program was funded at $700,000. Police Report  Sergeant Zeka reported that he had met with a public safety committee and has proposed changes for the taxi ordinances, in light of the Uber and similar companies. The goal is to have one ordinance that governs both. Transit Report  George announced that ET was finishing up interviews with consultants for the long range plan. ET hopes to make a selection and create a scope of work within the next 30 days. He stated it would be the better part of a year to complete the work, and that there were some budget considerations. TAC involvement is uncertain until the scope of work is figured out. Discussion ensued on how the consultants were selected.  George announced that ET received a $3.8 million grant for 4 electric buses. ET is working with the manufacturer, Proterra. Production start date is slated for August 2017. Currently, work is being done on the configuration of the buses. Additional discussion ensued concerning maintenance for the new buses, and re-training for current mechanics. The awarded grant does cover re-training.  The paratransit committee conducted a pre-delivery inspection of three new vans, scheduled to arrive next week.  Victor requested that the pedestrian portion of the sidewalk be kept back when it came to the design of the new bulb-outs on Broadway. He expressed concern for pedestrian safety at crosswalks. Michael Brick stated new sidewalks require a 5-foot buffer between the sidewalk and the street. Agenda Items: Item 1: Children’s Hospital Project – Michael Brick  Deferred for a later meeting due to time constraints. Item 2: Presidential Candidate Event Traffic Control – Tim Miller, Michael Brick, Ken Dorn  This informational briefing gave a run down on how the road closures were planned and executed on incredibly short notice. Ken Dorn praised Michael Brick for all the support he provided during the event. Item 3: Metro Everett Planning Update - David Stalheim, Planning  In 2015, the City took a focused look at the metro center area and how to grow it faster.  There is a desire for making connections between place making, talent attraction, and economic development. Amenities are also desired.  It was noted that those aged 65 and older are the highest growth population sector. In the next 20 years, we should plan for this.  The presentation suggested goals for development and ways to achieve them. There was a slide image showing a plaza concept at the west end of Hewitt. Other images depicted a light rail station and integrated bus transfer station included within the concept plan in the vicinity of Broadway and Pacific.  The Metro Everett presentation will be going to the planning commission on September 20 th, with open houses for the public on October 6. Additional hearings are projected to be in the spring and summer of 2017. Meeting adjourned at 9:55. Next Scheduled Meeting: October 20, 2016 at 8:00AM