Everett Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC)

TAC MINUTES September 21, 2017 In attendance: Members Staff Guests T.J. Fournier Tim Miller, Public Works J.T. Dray Paul Roberts, City Council Victor Harris George Baxter, Transit William Weber Sabina Popa, Transit Richard Smith Paul Kaftanski, Administration Christina Curtis Ken Dorn, Police Robert Strickland John Zeka, Police Tyler Rourke David Fudge, Police Meeting was called to order at 8:03 a.m. chaired by T.J. Fournier.  M/S/P for August 2017 minutes. Announcements & Requests to Add Agenda Items  Victor requested TAC consider the issue of prohibiting bikes and skateboards in the Metro Everett area, noting the Planning Department intends to finish the draft Metro Everett plan by June, 2018. He also submitted a copy of his request in writing.  Councilmember Roberts mentioned a constituent contacted him concerned about security and parking issues related to Clark Park. They reported campers with disabled parking permits were over limit parking there with people living in them. Sgt. John Zeka responded vehicles with disabled permits can park over time limits unless in a disabled parking space that has a specific time limit. He also stated EPD has made multiple arrests in the area. He added Parks and the Task Force is aware of the situation. He pointed out legal constraints related to impounding vehicles that are used as residences.  Tyler asked for an agenda item to address where bicycles are allowed to go. Citizen’s Comments  J.T. Dray addressed the TAC as a citizen member of the 38th District Democrat Transportation Committee. He read from a prepared statement with key points: o ST2 will reach Lynnwood in 6-7 years with a projected 20K riders/day at that station. This will create surplus ridership capacity in CT routes. o In response CT expects to be able to start 15 minute headway & ¼ mile stops local bus service. He suggests this shift in service delivery may affect ET’s operation. o He recommends ET consider raising their fares. He pointed out the ORCA Lift program is used to underwrite transit fares for low income persons and that could also be used by ET as a way to mitigate the fare increase. Engineering Report  Tim reported that overlay project and the 41st St Fright Mobility project are mostly complete, with striping and some punch list work yet to be completed. Police Report  Sgt. Zeka reported on a traffic flow and on-street parking problem on Shuksan Drive that was investigated and addressed. Amazon distribution center traffic was the proximate cause. Amazon management responded positively in modifying their operations to correct the problem. Traffic Engineering installed signs to enable parking enforcement. Transit Report  George Baxter reported they expect to receive three paratransit vans by the end of the year. A fourth van will be received in the spring to replace a van that was totaled earlier this year. The all electric buses are expected to be delivered in April 2018. The electric charging system is expected to be approved to bid at the next City Council meeting. The electric bus manufacturer, Proterra, has recently set a new record of 1,000 miles on a single charge. Federal funds and State funds will be used for the purchase of the initial seven electric buses. ET is finalizing the purchase of the Smith Ave Mill Site. ET is also still also considering purchase of refurbished diesel or hybrid buses that have an 8 year life expectancy.  J.T. Dray reported a good experience with ET giving advance notice of moving a bus stop for the bubble run event.  Sabina Popa introduced Aaron Gooze of Fehr & Peers who gave a presentation of the Long Range Plan (LRP) outreach results. Altogether there have been 1,000 participants and they have received 400 responses. o Of note are the similar responses from ET riders and non-riders as to why ET is important. Both groups selected “Helps reduce congestion”, “Helps people in my community who are transit dependent” and “Transit is good for the environment” as the top three responses. o Responses ranking priority of service types yielded: Local Service (56%), High-capacity Service (26%) and Commuter Service (18%). o The overall theme for the service type priority can be summarized by “Provide a locally- focused transit network with high frequency and targeted expansion of service hours that connects to key destinations and regional transit services. Balance this with coverage of the area”. o Information regarding the proposed schedule showed by October they will finalize the frequency vs. coverage concepts and begin the outreach for service options. By December the Draft LRP will be prepared, including financial analysis and draft service standards. By February the final LRP will be adopted and published. Information on project update can be found at www.EverettTransit.org/future. Printed copies of the presentation were distributed to the TAC members.  Councilmember Roberts recommended considering of the ST2 effects of opening the Lynnwood station when developing the ET LRT.  Victor suggested better service transfer coordination is needed among the various transit lines.   Richard Smith asked if the survey of frequency needs be focused on certain areas, or will it be general in nature. Aaron Gooze responded it will be an overall system analysis and will not be route specific.  Councilmember Roberts mentioned he expects ST3 will spur redevelopment along Casino Road (a 20-year horizon) as that area may be the site of a light rail station.  Aaron Gooze stated the Everett Comp Plan growth numbers are used along with the ST ridership projections factored to estimate the ET ridership projections. In response to a question as to how the future network was developed he replied existing route productivity data was used, as well as future land use projections and location of transit priority corridors.  J.T. suggested the effort should consider the issue of whether ET should be continued, or be made part of a county transit system. Agenda Items: Item 1: Draft Ordinance Revision Relating to Parking  Tim Miller mentioned the issue had been discussed at the two previous TAC meetings and requested TAC concurrence to forward the draft ordinance to City Council with recommendation to pass.  Victor Harris read a written statement on the topic stating no hasty action is needed, that the issue is driven by a single individual’s complaints and that TAC has incomplete records. He believes the existing ordinance should be retained and that the Fire Department should also review the ordinance.  Tyler Rourke stated he completely disagrees with Victor’s assessment and gave a motion to recommend the ordinance to Council for adoption. Christina Curtis seconded the motion.  Captain Fudge requested support of TAC on this issue.  The motion passed, 5 yeas, 2 nays.  The group agreed to also forward Victor’s concerns to council. Item 2: Major Everett Area WSDOT Transportation Projects  Tim miller presented information on these four area projects: o I-5 / SR529 Interchange - Completes the current half interchange by constructing a new I-5 northbound off-ramp to SR529 and new southbound on-ramp from SR529 to I- 5. o I-5 NB Peak Use Shoulder Lane - The project will Implement NB hard shoulder running during peak congestion on I-5 from Marine View Drive to SR 528 (4.3 mi.) o SR 526 Corridor / Hardeson Interchange – Will look holistically at SR 526 corridor from the SR 526 / I-5 interchange to Boeing's west access road. o US 2 / SR 204 / 20th St SE Interchange - Identify existing issues and potential future improvements for the interchange. The Legislature will examine the study findings to plan and prioritize projects at the interchange and the surrounding area.  Tyler Rourke commented SR 526 is a major impediment to N-S bike movements. He wants the bike mode to be retained on Hardeson Road and he wants bike improvements on E Casino Road.  Bob Strickland stated his plan to relocate to Florida and that he may depart prior to the November TAC meeting. If folks want to stay in touch they can reach him through their website at www.StricklandCreative.com. TAC members offered their congratulations and a round of applause for Bob’s service to the community.  A motion for adjournment was moved, seconded and approved at 9:40AM. Next Scheduled Meeting: October 19, 2017