Everett Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC)

TAC MINUTES May 16, 2019 In attendance: Members Staff Guests T.J. Fournier Ryan Sass, Public Works Michael Thomas Renee Quistorf Scott Bader, City Council Jennifer Tanner Sabina Araya, Transit Kimberly Cline Tim Miller, Public Works Tyler Rourke Tim Morgan, Police Richard Smith Kelsey Svaren, Public Works Brett Barrett Al Furiak Meeting called to order at 8:05 a.m. Chaired by Tyler Rourke  M/S/P for April 2019 Minutes. Announcements & Requests to Add Agenda Items  Tyler announced that May is Bike Everywhere Month and encouraged meeting attendees to take part before the end of the month. He noted that Bike Everywhere Month seems to become a bigger event each year and that he has been working with Cascade Bicycle Club to help promote the program and advertise events. Tyler also gave statistics regarding his own bicycling over the last 12 years in Everett, specifically noting the distance he’s traveled and gas and resources saved during that time. Citizen’s Comments  None Engineering Report  Ryan stated that the City is working toward awarding a bid for the Rucker streetscape project, which includes finishing placement of bicycle lanes on Hoyt Avenue from Wall to Pacific as well as streetscape features there and on Rucker Avenue from Pacific Avenue to Everett Avenue.  Ryan took a moment to talk to the committee regarding ideas for improvements on the Boeing Freeway corridor, funded by WSDOT as part of Connecting Washington. As there is more freedom regarding the scope of the project, the City has come up with several alternative design options to analyze in order to build the best project within the budget.  Ryan noted that the City is also analyzing alternative design options regarding the I-5 and SR529 interchange and the I-5 peak use shoulder lane into Marysville. So far, preliminary analysis looks positive for all proposed options.  Streets crews are continuing to install bike racks in the Downtown corridor. They will continue working over the next few months to finish the installation process.   Tyler and Ryan briefly discussed plans for corridor improvements along SR 526 and SR 529 and whether there will be opportunities to improve crossings for non-motorized vehicles. Police Report  Tim Morgan stated that Everett Police will collect their own set of data from the Lime Scooter pilot program to see if there is a rise in police-related activities, such as collisions and vandalism. This information will be presented to TAC at a future meeting.  While Tim expressed enthusiasm regarding the new Seaway Transit Center near Boeing, he noted that Everett Police have received complaints regarding pedestrians using the crosswalk illegally to access the Transit Center. He stated that they may need to stage an officer at that location during shift changes to enforce crossing laws.  Tim Miller added that the City will continue to coordinate with Boeing regarding needs. There is a City camera stationed at that intersection, so Traffic Engineering can continue to analyze the impact that the new Seaway Transit Center has on motorized and non-motorized vehicle traffic.  There was a brief discussion regarding safety measures that have already been implemented by Boeing. The committee also discussed other ideas and opportunities the City could assist with to help with pedestrian safety. Tim Morgan noted that some of these issues may work themselves out over the next few months as the adjustment phase passes.  Tim Miller stated that the pilot program for the Lime Scooters would start the following day, Friday, May 17th.  There was a discussion regarding logistics of the scooter share pilot program, including collection and analysis of data, ordinances regarding ridership, Police and City enforcement of said regulations, expected high-density areas within the City, and decisions regarding continuation of the program past the 90-day pilot. Transit Report  Sabina informed the committee the Transit Service Delivery administrative staff (5 positions) have relocated from Everett Station to the Operations Office on Cedar Street.  The North Broadway Transit Improvement Project is complete in terms of amenities. The artist hired for the project is looking to design bike racks and install small sculptures at some of the stops.  Sabina also announced that the City has acquired three more electric busses, bringing the City up to seven so far. There were some issues with the initial four busses from Proterra, but the new vehicles have not shown signs of the same problems so far. One other bus manufacturer within the City’s fleet is also working on an electric bus model, which may be another option moving forward.  Sabina will bring a copy of the Transit Development Plan and ask for a recommendation in August. This is Everett Transit’s primary document for short term planning that includes  information regarding the organization, services provided, and action plans for the next five years. The newest document is presented to WSDOT each year. Agenda Items: Item 1: – Six-Year Transportation Improvement Plan Requested Action: Recommend Approval to Planning Commission and City Council -- Richard Tarry,  Richard noted any changes from the previous TIP presented at the April meeting and answered a few clarification questions regarding some other projects on the list.  M/S/P recommending the TIP be forwarded to City Council for adoption. Item 2: Riverfront Improvements and Access Update Informational Briefing; Tim Miller, Public Works  Tim Miller updated the Committee regarding plans for development along the Snohomish River in Everett. Main features would include: o A grocery store o Movie theater o Professional offices o Hotels or more commercial sites o Mixed-use buildings for commercial and residential opportunities o A central plaza for an event space  The Committee briefly discussed how the improvements may increase traffic congestion along 41st Street, the riverfront, and nearby residential neighborhoods, in addition to opportunities this could present for public transit and Lime scooters.  Tyler noted that a section of The Lowell Riverfront Trail south of the overlook along the river is in rough condition, which may be due to the nearby cottonwood trees. He has observed a similar section on Interurban trail that was marked with white paint.  Tim Miller noted that the Parks Department is responsible for the Interurban Trail and he knows they are planning to fix the section Tyler mentioned. Tim noted that he is not sure if the trail along the Riverfront is within the purview of the developer or if the City has taken on maintenance responsibilities for it yet. All the roads built as a part of this project will eventually become public City streets once they are constructed to City standards.  Adjourned at 9:30 am Next Scheduled Meeting: June 20, 2019