Everett Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC)

TAC MINUTES October 19, 2017 In attendance: Members Staff Guests T.J. Fournier Tim Miller, Public Works Ryan Spivey J.T. Dray Paul Roberts, City Council Bob Creamer Victor Harris George Baxter, Transit M.J. Donovan-Creamer William Weber Sabina Popa, Transit Rick Proctor Richard Smith Paul Kaftanski, Administration Dan Scott Christina Curtis Jeffrey Marks, Public Works Robert Strickland Richard Tarry, Public Works Tyler Rourke Ryan Sass, Public Works Meeting was called to order at 8:05 a.m. chaired by T.J. Fournier.  M/S/P for September 2017 minutes. Announcements & Requests to Add Agenda Items  J.T. requested to hear more about the funding for the bus bulb project on Broadway, and if it was connected to the PSRC. He also requested to learn more about how the PSRC operates, looking to Council member Roberts for clarification in that area. Council member Roberts deferred to Sabina, Transit, for information on the bus bulb project, then offered to schedule an informational briefing at a later date for the TAC regarding the PSRC. He explained that the PSRC had a complex project selection system and different money sources, and how they compare to regional plans.  Victor talked about seeing cars in his neighborhood running through stop signs. He expressed concern that with the regional plan calling for thousands of more people entering Everett in the coming years that perhaps the City should support an educational plan to educate drivers regarding street safety. Christina interjected the potential need for traffic calming devices. Tyler expressed the need for a complete streets philosophy. Bob Strickland wondered if Seattle’s speed limit reduction to 25 mph on arterial streets had been effective with this same issue. Citizen’s Comments  None. Police Report  None. Transit Report  George reported that buses and vans on order are on track to be delivered in January and April.   George also reported that information on the 60% design of the Broadway bus bulb project will be given at a future meeting.  J.T. Dray reported that Island Transit has some smaller size buses and was curious if ET was aware of them. And if so, perhaps they could be used for smaller routes. George stated that ET was not aware of the smaller buses.  Sabina Popa gave the committee a handout regarding the Long Range plan (attached). She spoke about the outreach efforts, and that the Executive Summary was available on the website.  Ryan Spivey, citizen, asked if the surveys were available for those people who don’t ride the bus. Sabina replied that ET did ask non-riders in the first round of public outreach. She stated most non-riders wanted more route coverage.  Bob Creamer, citizen, felt that ET wasn’t offering enough options for people. He highlighted a lack of east/west coverage. Sabina responded that part of the challenge for east/west travel is turning points, based on geography. However, combination of frequency coverage is something ET can look into.  M.J. Donovan-Creamer, citizen, mentioned that she had received June’s mailing but not any others. Sabina explained that the June mailing was a separate mailing, whereas others are being included as inserts to the utility bills. Sabina also mentioned that the online survey will be open to the end of October.  J.T. Dray was curious about meetings between the consultants and Council. Sabina said no meetings were scheduled. J.T. recalled a council member saying that they didn’t want to spend money towards the long range plan because the consultant’s results were not statistically significant. Some discussion ensued. A concern was raised that Community Transit may be looking to devote more service to neighborhood areas in the future. Engineering Report  Ryan reported that PW is finishing up summer projects – striping, pavement overlay.  J.T. asked about the possibility of a future pedestrian bridge over Broadway at the college. Ryan stated that it is in the “idea-stage” only. Some discussion ensued, which then turned to the Grand Avenue Park Bridge. Ryan gave a brief history of how the GAPB came to be. Agenda Items: Item 1: Grant Application Update  Richard Tarry gave an informational briefing about this process. He stated that in the federal cycle in 2018, money for 2021, 2022 will be programmed. The 6-year TIP list is used to match up criteria of coming processes with projects that could score well for federal grant funding.  The City also works with the Port of Everett and oversee their funds. Sometimes we use the Port of Everett as the solicitor for funding.  The City is also looking at projects related to areas surrounding light rail, projecting out to 2050.  There was some discussion on how the funding process is moved through several regional policy boards; it is a very complex process with many moving parts.  M.J. Donovan-Creamer asked about the funding for 2017. It is currently on the GAPB, while other projects are being re-organized due to the regional process.   A question was asked regarding the funding for the Broadway Bridge project. Ryan reported that all funds have been received and that the project will be closed out shortly.  Richard asked how the PSRC accounts for funding when it comes to the projections of population growth over the coming years. Richard replied that they are finishing up the projected image of 2040 and moving onto 2050, where funding for projects will be matched for the times and projections. Item 2: Bicycle Master Plan Implementation Update  Ryan Sass presented a handout covering the key points. (attached) o Completed in 2011, with much planning and input from outside sources. o The plan was intended for continuous and opportunistic implementation. o Connections will be between existing facilities, along with facility additions and improvements to existing facilities. o Funding explanation was also included (utility model vs. transportation model). o Several examples of bike/pedestrian paths already constructed were given, with possibilities for how future paths may be created, including a few projects slated for the future.  Meeting adjourned at 10:15 a.m. Next Scheduled Meeting: November 16, 2017