City Council

Work Session of the City Council, City of Farmington, New Mexico, held Tuesday, January 21, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. in the Executive Conference Room at City Hall, 800 Municipal Drive, Farmington, New Mexico, in full conformity with the rules, regulations and ordinances of the municipality. At such meeting the following were present, constituting a quorum: MAYOR Tommy Roberts COUNCILORS Dan Darnell Mary M. Fischer Gayla McCulloch Jason Sandel (arrived late) Constituting all the members of the Governing Body. Also present were: CITY MANAGER Rob Mayes ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER Bob Campbell CITY ATTORNEY Jay B. Burnham CITY CLERK Dianne Smylie DEPUTY CITY CLERK Melody Coyner ANNUAL AUDIT/COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT Mayor Roberts announced that staff has requested that the annual audit be withdrawn from consideration and rescheduled for the February 4, 2014 Work Session agenda. REPORT ON MAIN STREET TRAFFIC OPERATIONS CORRIDOR ANALYSIS AND ALTERNATIVES STUDY Providing opening remarks, Public Work Director David Sypher expressed appreciation to staff, stating that he is pleased and honored to work with such a great staff and thanked Traffic Engineering Administrator Steve Krest for his efforts in developing today's presentation. Utilizing a Power Point presentation, Mr. Sypher reviewed the components of the 2005 Engineering Study for the East Main Street Corridor (Hutton Avenue to Pinon Hills Boulevard) as completed by URS Corporation. He noted that the Scenario 1 recommendations included the installation of a westbound left-turn lane at the intersection of San Juan Boulevard and Hutton Avenue, which has been completed; the construction of a connection from Herrera Road to Cliffside Drive, which is on the Capital Improvement Plan but is unfunded at this time; the elimination of the traffic signal and the conversion to a right-in, right-out only at the intersection of Cliffside Drive and Main Street; the construction of an internal frontage road on the east side from 30 t h Street to Gila Street, an option that is no longer viable due to development; the conversion to a westbound free-flow "T" intersection at the Largo Street and Main Street; the conversion to an eastbound free­ flow "T" intersection near Wal-Mart; and the closure of various medians and accesses. He briefly reviewed the "T" intersection concept and the URS 2027 proposed build-out which includes the extension of Pinon Hills Boulevard ("PHB"). Councilor Sandel arrived at the meeting at 9:05 a.m. City Engineer Nica Westerling noted that the overall design of the PHB extension, per the requirements of the New Mexico Department of Transportation ("NMDOT"), is at 90 percent but that NMDOT does not want the City to proceed because there is no funding to complete the entire project. She stated that Phase I of the project, including the PHB and Main intersection reconfiguration and the addition of two lanes from Main Street to Hubbard Road, will be funded with $3 million of Federal Highway Administration State Transportation Improvement Program funds plus approximately $450,000 leftover from a previous grant. She briefly reviewed the total expenditures and funding to date. 1  Continuing with his presentation, Mr. Sypher reviewed the East Main Street corridor improvements that have been completed since 2005 and the recommendations for future improvements including a second eastbound left-turn lane at the intersection of Main Street and Beckland Drive at a cost of $65,000; a second eastbound left-turn lane at the intersection of Main Street and English Drive at a cost of $70,000 for the feasibility study and construction; the connection of Herrera Road from Main Street to Cliffside Drive at a cost of $800,000; and the connection of Herrera Road at East Main Street to English Drive at a cost of $2.2 million. He further reviewed historic traffic volumes for East Main Street; westbound and eastbound peak traffic flows; East Main Street corridor accidents, noting a 27 percent decrease from 2008 to 2012; and average drive time studies on East Main from English Drive to Hutton Avenue, and played an actual drive video that was done on Friday, December 20, 2013 at 12:00 noon. Mr. Krest reviewed the status of the East Main Street adaptive traffic signal control installation project, noting that 11 signals from English Drive to Hutton Avenue will be installed and he explained how the technology works. He stated that the expected project completion date is June 2014. In response to inquiry from Mayor Roberts, Mr. Krest confirmed that there were projections for future traffic volumes in the 2005 URS Engineering Study and stated that he will let him know how accurate the projections were by the end of the week. Following discussion, Mr. Krest played a testimonial video from Columbia County, Georgia which utilizes the adaptive traffic signal control technology. Mr. Sypher continued his presentation addressing the West Main Street (US 64) Corridor from Broadway to the west city limits. He briefly reviewed the traffic volumes, accident statistics and average drive time studies for West Main Street and stated that the known issues are the outdated "T" intersections of West Main Street and La Plata Highway and West Main Street and Troy King Road and the alignment concerns at the intersection of West Main Street and Old Kirtland Highway/Four Seasons Parkway. He stated that the West Main Street recommended upgrades include conducting a safety study from Murray Drive to the west city limits; reconstructing the "T" intersections at West Main Street and La Plata Highway and West Main Street and Troy King Road; and the construction of a new intersection at West Main Street and Old Kirtland Highway/Four Seasons Parkway. Responding to Councilor Fischer regarding NMDOT funding for the West Main Street recommended upgrades, Mr. Sypher reported that staff is experiencing several delays from the State but stated that he plans to meet with them to see if some of the issues can be resolved. In response to inquiry from Councilor Fischer, Mr. Krest noted that previous traffic studies at the Gooding Lane/West Main Street intersection did not meet warrants for a traffic signal. He suggested that NMDOT do a safety study of the West Main Street corridor and provide recommendations to remedy the identified safety issues. Councilor Sandel suggested that staff contact State Transportation Commissioner Butch Mathews for assistance. In closing, Mr. Sypher reviewed staff's recommendations that the East Main Street traffic study not be repeated; the adaptive traffic control signal program for East Main Street be completed and that such technology be evaluated for other traffic corridors; a double left-turn lane be constructed at the intersection of Main Street and Beckland Drive in Spring 2014; the feasibility of a double left-turn lane be evaluated for the intersection of Main Street and English Drive in FY14; supplemental traffic and feasibility studies be conducted for the Herrera Road to Cliffside Drive and Herrera Road to English Drive extensions in FY15; Phase I construction of the PHB extension be completed in 2015 and that staff continue to identify funding sources and apply for grant funding for the bridge and four-lane expansion; and that staff work with NMDOT on safety improvements at the intersections of US 64 and La Plata Highway, US 64 and Troy King Road and US 64 and Old Kirtland Highway/Four Seasons Parkway. Mr. Mayes stated that staff is requesting authorization to proceed with the double left-turn lane at Main Street and Beckland Drive at an 2 · . approximate cost of $65,000, noting that it will not require a budget adjustment. Ms. Westerling briefly explained the PHB Phase I plans for constructing dual left turn lanes at PHB and East Main Street, including the necessary intersection reconfiguration and the dirt work to build four lanes from PHB to Hubbard Road and then pave two of those lanes. She stated that staff is not proposing to connect the roadway extension to Rancho de Animas at this time. Councilor Darnell pointed out that the residents in the area are opposed to the proposed improvements and announced that he will be conducting neighborhood meetings to discuss the project. Mayor Roberts stated that he supports the recommendations made today but questioned if the "T" intersections at Largo Street and Wal-Mart are still being considered. In response, Mr. Sypher noted that "T" intersections are beneficial but stated that staff is not recommending them at this time because they want to see the benefits of the adaptive traffic control signals first. Following further discussion Councilor Darnell suggested that staff consider the extension of Gila Street to English Drive as a means to bypass the mall area. In response, Ms. Westerling and Mr. Sypher suggested that Gila Street be included as part of the scope for the Herrera Drive to English Road supplemental study. In response to inquiry from Councilor Darnell, Mr. Krest explained that the adaptive traffic signals can be connected with San Juan County Communications Authority to allow dispatchers to view the seriousness of accidents, but stated that he is unsure if real-time video can be provided in the police cars. Responding to Councilor Sandel regarding the disposition of the 2005 URS Engineering Study, Assistant City Manager Bob Campbell explained that in November 2005 staff reports indicate that the study was on-hold pending direction from the Council. However, he stated that it does not appear that the study ever came back to Council for consideration and that the final staff report in June 2006 states that the study was no longer under consideration. Councilor Sandel announced that he often receives complaints from constituents regarding traffic on East Main Street and stated that there is a good possibility that the adaptive traffic control signals will not address all of the problems and questioned whether a new traffic study should be considered. In response, Mr. Sypher contended that a new traffic study will not produce significant changes from the 2005 study and stated that he believes that supplemental studies of specific components may be more effective. Councilor Sandel argued that he believes that a comprehensive analysis of the East and West Main Street corridors is needed. In response to inquiries from Councilor Sandel concerning the procurement of the adaptive traffic signals, Mr. Krest explained that a systems engineering report evaluating all of the options for controlling traffic along East Main Street was conducted and that the non-sequential InSync system was recommended. As a result, he announced that staff is pursuing the sole source method to purchase the system and assured him that the contract will allow the City to assume control of the system if InSync were to cease to exist. Councilor Sandel questioned whether the 2005 URS study suggested connecting PHB to Sierra Vista Drive via Hubbard Road. In response, Ms. Westerling explained that the Towne Place Suites by Marriott located at 4200 Sierra Vista did not exist in 2005 when the study was done so there was no commercial reason to connect PHB to Sierra Vista Drive. Thereupon, a motion was made Councilor Darnell, seconded by Councilor McCulloch to approve the recommendations suggested by staff to: 1) proceed with the double left-turn lane at the intersection of Main Street and Beckland Drive at an approximate cost of $65,000; 2) evaluate the feasibility of a second left-turn lane at the intersection of Main Street and English Drive; 3) conduct a supplemental traffic feasibility study of the options for a bypass around Animas Valley Mall; 4) continue the identification of and application for grant funding for completion of the Pinon Hills Boulevard extension/bridge project to include four-lanes; 3 and 5) direct staff to continue working with the New Mexico Department of Transportation on safety improvements on US Highway 64. Councilor Sandel asked for a friendly amendment to replace the words "a bypass" with the words "an alternative route" around Animas Valley Mall. Councilors Darnell and McCulloch agreed. Thereupon, the Mayor called for a vote on the motion to: 1) proceed with the double left-turn lane at the intersection of Main Street and Beckland Drive at an approximate cost of $65,000; 2) evaluate the feasibility of a second left-turn lane at the intersection of Main Street and English Drive; 3) conduct a supplemental traffic feasibility study of the options for an alternative route around Animas Valley Mall; 4) continue the identification of and application for grant funding for completion of the Pinon Hills Boulevard extension/bridge project to include four-lanes; and 5) direct staff to continue working with the New Mexico Department of Transportation on safety improvements on US Highway 64, and upon voice vote, the motion carried unanimously. NOTICE OF NAMES OF CANDIDATES FOR OFFICE/DESIGNATION OF POLLING PLACES AND PRECINCT BOARD MEMBERS FOR THE MARCH 4, 2014 REGULAR MUNICIPAL ELECTION At the request of City Clerk Dianne Smylie, a motion was made by Councilor Fischer, seconded by Councilor Darnell to approve the Notice of Names of Candidates for Office, Designation of Polling Places and Precinct Board Members for the March 4, 2014 City of Farmington Regular Municipal Election, and upon voice vote the motion carried unanimously. CANCELLATION OF MARCH 4, 2014 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION City Clerk Dianne Smylie announced that the 2014 regular municipal election will be held on March 4, 2014 and requested the Council's consideration of the cancellation of the Work Session scheduled for that day. A motion was made by Councilor Fischer, seconded by Councilor Darnell to cancel the March 4, 2014 City Council Work Session, and upon voice vote the motion carried unanimously. COUNCIL BUSINESS Masada House Councilor Fischer announced that during her discussion with Masada House Program Director Karen Chenault about how to proceed with the men's transitional housing project following the denial of their petition for a zone change at 2107 Schofield Lane, she became aware of how little she knows about the program. She suggested that Ms. Chenault be asked to make a presentation to the Council regarding the current status of the program and their future plans. Following brief consideration, it was the consensus of the Council to direct staff to schedule the presentation for a future Work Session agenda. Councilor Fischer also requested that staff investigate the possibility of Masada House utilizing the former P.A.T.H. (People Assisting the Homeless) building for their men's program. In response, City Manager Rob Mayes announced that staff has suggested the P.A.T.H. building as well as the old Public Health building on Animas Street, noting that they are not interested in the old Public Health building. In response to inquiry from Councilor McCulloch, City Manager Rob Mayes announced that disposition of the City-owned property located at 2107 Schofield Lane will be discussed at the February 4, 2014 City Council Work Session. Councilor Fischer asked that demolition of the house be included as an option for discussion. Proposed Housing/Broken Window Ordinance Referring to a memorandum that was provided to the Council concerning the options currently available to staff, Councilor Sandel asked that he be provided an explanation of what the options are with regard to housing codes. Furthermore, he asked for an explanation on what staff is proposing with regard to the drafting of a broken window ordinance. 4 .. .. APPOINTMENT TO THE ANIMAL SERVICES ADVISORY COMMISSION After providing the Council with background and professional information on David Fosdeck, Mayor Roberts asked the Council's consideration of his appointment to the Animal Services Advisory Commission (term to August 2014). Thereupon, a motion was made by Councilor Fischer, seconded by Councilor Darnell to confirm the appointment of David Fosdeck to the Animal Services Advisory Commission, as recommended by the Mayor, and upon voice vote the motion carried unanimously. CLOSED MEETING A motion was made by Councilor Darnell, seconded by Councilor McCulloch to close the meeting to discuss request for proposals for global positioning system field inventory. The roll was called with the following result: Those voting aye: Dan Darnell Mary M. Fischer Gayla McCulloch Jason Sandel Those voting nay: None The presiding officer thereupon declared that four Councilors having voted in favor thereof, the said motion carried. The Mayor convened the closed meeting at 11:08 a.m. with all members of the Council being present. Following the closed meeting, during which meeting the matter discussed was limited only to that specified in the motion for closure, a motion was made by Councilor Darnell, seconded by Councilor McCulloch to open the meeting for further business, and upon voice vote the motion carried unanimously. The open meeting was reconvened by the Mayor at 11:10 a.m. with all members of the Council being present. AUTHORIZATION TO COMMENCE NEGOTIATIONS ON THE PROPOSAL FOR GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM FIELD INVENTORY Purchasing Supervisor Kristi Benson reported that proposals for global positioning system field inventory opened on November 5, 2013 with five offerors participating. She requested authorization to commence negotiations with Chapel Mapping as the top evaluated offeror. Thereupon, a motion was made by Councilor Darnell, seconded by Councilor McCulloch to authorize staff to commence negotiations for global positioning system field inventory with Chapel Mapping, as recommended by the Purchasing Supervisor, and upon voice vote the motion carried unanimously. There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 11:11 a.m. APPROVED this 11 t h day of February, 2014. SEAL ATTEST: ~~I\R,b~, Dianne Smylie, City Cler 5