Citizens Advisory Committee on Transportation

CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION (CACT) Wednesday, October 13, 2021, Virtual Meeting via Microsoft Teams, 7:00 p.m. DRAFT MINUTES 1. Call to Order: Meeting called to order at 7:05 pm 2. Reading of Virtual Meeting Notice: This meeting was held via electronic communications using ‘Microsoft Teams.’ This meeting was held pursuant to and in compliance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, Section 2.2-3708.2 and state and local legislation adopted to allow for continued government operation during the COVID-19 declared emergency. Roll Call: ● CACT Members: Dave Gustafson (Chair), Jason Garman (Vice Chair), Arthur Agin, Jessica Hegenbart, Andrew Olesen, Shaun Dakin ● City Staff: Jeff Sikes (CACT Staff Liaison), Ana Mazidi, Cameron Gahres ● City Council: Councilman Phil Duncan ● Planning Commission: Melissa Teates ● Student Representative: Annie Moore ● Founders Row II Development Team: Joe Muffler, William Johnson, Antonette Isherwood, Andrew Buntua ● Public: None 3. Public Comment: Jeff reported that no public comments were received in writing, and no members of the public offered comments during the meeting. 4. City Council and PC Liaison Updates: None 5. September Meeting Minutes: No comments or changes to meeting minutes. 6. Discussion: Great Falls/Little Falls NTC Recap and Lessons Learned: Jeff discussed the following challenges and lessons learned: ● The resident-driven process and corresponding high bar for Yes votes (67% of residents in area must vote Yes, not just 67% of votes received) ● COVID-19 and associated communication issues (less ability to communicate door-to-door and in person) presented unique challenges given the timing of the project ● How to best handle voting shares when condo buildings are in the project area Dave added the following observations and lessons ● Commended the project wishes some of the initial larger solutions remained in the plan ● Recommended meetings with residents before ballots are sent out to build more support early on and address criticism early as well ● Recommended the use of more tactical/light solutions ahead of the heavy solutions to demonstrate benefit to community and allows residents to visualize the potential final product better ● Keep City’s NTC web page updated with mailers, project costs, funding sources, etc. ● Better communication of who to call with issues during construction (contractor? DPW?) ● Include disclaimer on mailers that final design may vary from conceptual plans ● Figure out better ways to handle turnover in working groups on project with longer timelines ● How to best address challenges with absentee landlords, empty lots, etc.? 7. Presentation: Founders Row II Mixed Use Project: The Founders Row II Development Team presented the latest information on the project. The CACT summarized initial comments and concerns and the  following items were discussed by the collective group in more detail. THe CACT will take action on submitting the revised comments to City Council at the November meeting: ● S West St / Ellison St crosswalk location ● S West St / W Broad St traffic signal rephasing ● Left turn out of the proposed garage onto W Broad St ● Residential parking on Ellison St ● Vehicle speed and traffic calming on S West St ● Sidewalk widths ● Walking/biking paths/routes in the vicinity of the project ● Bike parking ● Parking spaces for food delivery services ● Bikeshare/scooter parking 8. NTC Updates: Jeff updated on the following projects: ● S Lee St / S Oak St - light solutions are in place, heavy solutions have 76% yes votes, engagement was generally smoother than Great Falls/Little Falls due to smaller project area. WIll be presented for action by CACT at November meeting. ● Greenway Downs - consultant completed base maps, conceptual plans under development, hopefully available by Thanksgiving 9. Staff Report: Jeff reported that there has not been action yet on speed limit reductions and he would report back further updates. Arlington is starting with a pilot around schools. The City has had some past coordination with Fairfax COunty on N Oak St near Mt. Daniel Elementary School. 10. Member Reports: Jess reported on roadblocks encountered in potentially narrowing S Oak St near Oak Street Elementary School to slow vehicles. Dave reported that the bike lane demonstration for Park Ave 11. Adjourn: Motion to adjourn passes 6-0 at 10:15 pm.