Everett Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC)

TAC MINUTES July 19, 2018 In attendance: Members Staff Guests T.J. Fournier Tim Miller, Public Works Renee Quistorf Ryan Sass, Public Works Victor Harris Scott Bader, City Council Tyler Rourke Sabina Popa, Transit Richard Smith Brett Yeadon, Police Kelsey Svaren, Public Works Meeting called to order at 8:07 a.m. Chaired by Tyler Rourke  M/S/P for June 2018 Minutes. Announcements & Requests to Add Agenda Items  Tyler announced that Christina Curtis submitted her resignation from the Transportation Advisory Committee due to a recent change in employment. Tim noted that the City will seek two new members to serve on the committee.  TJ asked if there could be an impact on the riverfront area considering that IKEA has decided not to purchase and develop the land. Tim noted that roads in the area will be connected, but he is not aware if any development decisions have been made for that area. Property owner has obtained permits to construct the roadway and gate systems. It is up to them to accomplish the connection.  Tyler followed up regarding the possibility of installing a cyclist crossing on 41st Street at either Hoyt Avenue or Colby Avenue. Ryan said that the city conducted an internal review and Gibson Traffic Consultants is currently working on an independent external review for comparison.  Renee asked about improvement updates regarding the pedestrian crossing at West Marine View Drive and Alverson Boulevard. Ryan noted that they City has received grant funds to install an enhanced crossing and complete sidewalk enhancements. With the rising price of small bid contracts, the City may elect to complete parts of the project in house, possibly phased to construct the enhanced crossing first.  TJ asked for a follow-up regarding the Mukilteo Bike Connection along SR 526. Ryan did not have an update, but noted that he will enquire. He mentioned that this project may be factored into the SR 526 improvement project with WSDOT. Citizen’s Comments  None Engineering Report   Ryan informed the committee that Lowell Larimer Road was temporarily closed in early July for underground work and improvements. The road will also receive pavement maintenance overlay in August. o For more information: https://everettwa.gov/1889/Lowell-Larimer-Road-Repair  Ryan gave a few more updates, including: o Study for improvements along the SR 526 corridor with WSDOT has just started. o The peak traffic shoulder use and interchange improvements project on I-5 is moving forward, and is in the data gathering stage. o The US 2 Justification Report is essentially complete, but has not been released yet.  Ryan also told the committee that the City of Everett is scheduled to receive funding for a bicycle safety project to run from Madison to the pedestrian overcrossing bridge at Mukilteo Blvd, along Federal Avenue, College Avenue, and Fleming Street. This route is roughly parallel to, and west of, Evergreen Way. Police Report  None Transit Report  Sabina informed the committee that Transit’s Long Range Plan was adopted by City Council in June. She noted that the department has identified an immediate need for cost-saving adjustments. As a result, Sabina provided copies of the 2019 Service Change Proposal. Anticipated changes include: o Reducing peak usage by approximately 6 vehicles. o Reducing service hours up to 10%. o Reducing trip times by cutting some loop services that are under-utilized or pose infrastructure challenges. o Eliminating route 17 connecting Everett Station with College Station via Colby Avenue. o Fare increase proposal that would be implemented over a two-year period, which would also introduce low-income pricing.  Everett Transit has scheduled several presentations regarding the proposal that are open to the public. o For more information: http://everetttransit.org/289/Service-Change  There was a short discussion regarding projected growth of residency and ridership within the City of Everett. Victor recognized that Everett Transit has not increased fares for several years and suggested implementing a 25-cent increase every two years that would be predictable and expected for riders.  There was a brief discussion regarding funding options to close the revenue gap identified in the Long Range Plan. Agenda Items: Item 1: SR 529 Non-Motorized Improvements Informational Briefing -- Tim Miller  Tim informed the committee about proposed improvements to SR 529 that are intended to increase safety amongst non-motorized vehicles and pedestrians along that route. SR 529 is  the most direct path for non-motorized transportation, connecting Everett and Marysville, but currently poses several safety risks. Tim presented the committee with proposed mid-term improvements for both northbound and southbound lanes keeping in mind current restrictions due to narrow bridges and environmental factors.  There was a brief discussion regarding additional safety suggestions for SR529 northbound and southbound. Item 2: E. Marine View Drive; Hazmat Remediation Contract Informational Briefing - Tim Miller  The Department of Ecology has identified a remediation project at intersection of SR 529 and East Marine View Drive that will be excavated due to arsenic contamination from the Asarco smelter. This excavation project will affect a high impact area and is scheduled to last approximately 12 to 16 weeks. The project will be completed in two phases to allow traffic through the area and to create more efficient detour routes.  During Phase 1: o No though traffic on East Marine View Drive. o No exit from SR 529 North to East Marine View Drive. o The only access to SR 529 North will be from southbound East Marine View Drive. o The only entry to the Riverside Business Park will be from northbound East Marine View Drive. o Exit from the Riverside Business Park will be allowed only to the north or south.  During Phase 2: o No though traffic on East Marine View Drive. o No exit from SR 529 North to East Marine View Drive. o The only access to SR 529 North will be from southbound East Marine View Drive. o The only entry to the Riverside Business Park will be from northbound East Marine View Drive. o Exit from the Riverside Business Park will be allowed only to the north or south.  For more information: https://ecology.wa.gov/Spills-Cleanup/Contamination-cleanup/Cleanup- sites/Toxic-cleanup-sites/Everett-Smelter Item 3: 2018 Draft Transit Development Program Informational Briefing – Sabina Popa  Sabina presented committee members with a draft of the 2018 Transit Development Program, which is updated on a yearly basis and serves as an annual report for the previous year. Some highlights of this year’s draft includes: o Continued installation of schedule holders for all bus stops with five or more weekday boardings, with 223 holders installed at the end of 2017. Calls toward the Everett Transit Arrival system have dropped by 2/3 since implementing the schedule holders. o Everett Transit purchased 20 new bus shelters and are evaluating placement. o Transit was selected to receive several grants and awards for large projects, including the 80-stall Park & Ride expansion and the purchase of several electric busses.  o Proposed changes to services, facilities, and equipment broken down by year from 2018-2023, keeping in mind projected ridership growth. o Ridership is projected to grow and Everett Transit will evaluate how increased fares affect those estimates. o Projected consumption of gasoline and diesel fuel may decrease with the introduction of new electric busses to the fleet.  Sabina noted that Everett Transit will bring the plan to TAC again in August for recommendation to present to City Council.  A brief discussion ensued regarding future recommendations that TAC could bring to City Council in order to help close the revenue gap facing Everett Transit.  Adjourned at 9:51 am Next Scheduled Meeting: August 16, 2018