Everett Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC)

TAC MINUTES June 20, 2019 In attendance: Members Staff Guests Renee Quistorf Ryan Sass, Public Works Michael Thomas Jennifer Tanner Scott Bader, City Council Sonja Bodge Tyler Rourke Sabina Araya, Transit Richard Smith Tim Miller, Public Works Brett Barrett Tim Morgan, Police Kelsey Svaren, Public Works Meeting called to order at 8:05 a.m. Chaired by Tyler Rourke  M/S/P for May 2019 Minutes. Announcements & Requests to Add Agenda Items  Tim announced that there is an opening on the Traffic Advisory Committee and asked members to spread the word and encourage others in the community to apply for the open position.  Tyler asked that the City look at opportunities to improve signage leading toward the Interurban Trail in Everett. He noted that the trailhead can be difficult to find, especially for visitors or individuals unfamiliar with the trail. He also stated that improving signage for cyclists is a component of the Bicycle Master Plan and advocated for signs that appear similar in color and size to other signage in the area.  Other committee members agreed that the trail head is difficult to identify and noted that it’s partially hidden and looks like it is within a parking lot.  Tyler also expressed concern regarding cyclist safety from aggressive drivers. He gave a brief example passed on by a colleague just outside of Everett city limits.  There was a brief discussion regarding the Grand Avenue Park Bridge and updates about placement and scheduling with BNSF. Citizen’s Comments  Sonja introduced herself to the committee as a newer resident Everett and Treasurer of the Delta Neighborhood. She noted speeding concerns in her neighborhood along 17 th and Fulton and offered several possible options to deter offenders.  Sonja similarly added perspective as a cyclist in the City who has also observed aggressive behavior from motor vehicles. She noted there could be a perception that cyclists are not contributing financially the way motor vehicle owners do. A brief discussion ensued regarding cyclist safety and bicycle theft in Everett.   Sonja also touched on Lime Scooters, detailing infraction violations she has witnessed and relaying comments she has heard from other Everett citizens. A brief discussion followed regarding Lime Scooter violations, opportunities for the City to clearly communicate user expectations, and how scooter observation could give the City a broader look at systemic traffic problems across the whole city. Engineering Report  None Police Report  Tim Morgan stated that the department was able to locate and arrest a suspect that struck and killed a pedestrian along 13th and Grand Avenue on May 25, 2019.  Tim also gave a brief update regarding feedback EPD has received about the Lime Scooter pilot program. A brief discussion ensued restating common complaints of the Lime Scooters, enforcement of violations, and opportunities make the City more user friendly for scooters and non-motorized vehicles. Transit Report  Sabina reminded the committee that Everett Transit fares increase July 1st and the low income fare will take effect. There is a program through DSHS for low income individuals that will allow them to receive a free ORCA card with $10 pre-loaded onto the account.  Sabina informed the committee that Everett Transit provided rides for approximately 6,600 people from Everett Community College to Sorticulture Garden Arts Festival at Legion Memorial Park from June 7th -9th.  Transit will also provide shuttle service on the 4 th of July from Everett Station to the parade, festival, and fireworks display at Legion Memorial Park. Service to the festival and fireworks will also be available from College Station. In addition, Everett Transit and Para Transit are providing free ridership service on all routes, which will operate on a Sunday schedule.  Sabina informed the committee that the Seattle Department of Transportation received a grant to perform extensive research regarding wayfinding signage within the City. They are emphasizing implementation of uniform and easy to use signage, in addition to looking at signs that can be used by multiple modes of transportation. They will make these standards available, and Sabina suggested that the Transportation Advisory Committee request a presentation once they are released. Agenda Items: Item 1: – Overview of 2018 Transit Development Plan Presented by Sabina Araya, Transit  Sabina introduced the Transit Development Plan by showing the committee the 2018 version, noting that she would provide a draft of the updated 2019 version later in July. WSDOT requires annual reports from all transit entities that includes a 5 year look into the future, which is due Sept 1st each year.   Sabina briefly went through the document to explain the importance of each section to the committee. She also noted that the document can be accessed online through Everett Transit’s website.  Sabina highlighted two major points in the 2018 document: o Everett Transit does not plan to add extra hours to fixed routes in the near future. o The region’s transit groups are working collectively to update the current ORCA system. It is a large project that will cost approximately $1M over the next five years to replace.  There was a brief discussion regarding partnership opportunities with local groups and Everett Transit’s capacity to offer free services. Those decisions ultimately go to City Council. Item 2: 41st St & Hoyt Bike/Pedestrian Signal Study Informational Briefing; Tim Miller, Public Works  Tim Miller presented the analysis from Gibson Traffic Consultants regarding the impact of a signalized bicycle/pedestrian crossing on 41 st Street at Hoyt. This particular intersection was identified due to the bike path along Hoyt up toward the Interurban Trail.  The analysis showed the following information: o Peak hour of traffic starts at 4:30pm. o This is already a high traffic area due to its proximity to I-5. o The 2019 the EB 41st St 95th-percentile queue from the Hoyt Bike/Ped signal will be 286’, exceeding the available storage capacity. o A Hoyt Bike/Ped signal at 41st St would lead to gridlock traffic conditions on 41 st street. o EB traffic available queue storage will be exceeded in 2019 traffic volumes. o In conclusion, the Hoyt Bike/Ped signal is not a sustainable option, and the improvements included in the Bicycle Master Plan should be implemented. Item 3: Lime-S Preliminary Scooter Usage Informational Briefing; Tim Miller, Public Works  Tim Miller presented information reflecting Lime Scooter usage in Everett during the first month of the pilot program: o Scooter usage is concentrated in Downtown/North Everett. o There were over 4,600 rides and 5,000 miles travelled in the first 30 days. o The average ride length is about 0.7 miles. o The lowest ridership was 145 rides on a Monday, with the highest being 450 rides on a Saturday. o Scooter parking in general has been good.  There was a brief discussion regarding parking and pranking/vandalism. Tim Morgan noted that the police will move scooters if they see them improperly parked.  Adjourned at 10:00 am Next Scheduled Meeting: July 18, 2019