Transportation Committee

TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, SOUTH CAROLINA TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE Monday, December 4, 2017 at 12:15 p.m. Municipal Complex, Committee Meeting Room, 3rd Floor 100 Ann Edwards Lane Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 MINUTES Members Present: Mayor Will Haynie, Chair; Joe Bustos; Bob Brimmer Staff Present: Eric DeMoura, Brad Morrison, Paul Lykins Mayor Haynie called the meeting to order at 12:15 p.m. Mayor Haynie stated several residents were present to address the Committee on another agenda item and suggested that due to the length of the agenda and with respect to the residents’ time, agenda item eight (8), Discussion of cut through traffic on Cottingham Drive, be moved to agenda item four (4). Mr. Brimmer moved to amend the agenda by moving agenda item three (3), Review and evaluation of the Coleman Boulevard Revitalization project, to item six (6), item four (4), Executive session to receive legal advice on any issue related to the review and evaluation of the Coleman Boulevard Revitalization project, if needed to item seven (7) and item five (5), Post Executive Session for Committee to take action on any item listed on an executive session agenda or discussed in an executive session during a proper noticed meeting to agenda item eight (8); motion seconded by Mr. Bustos. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Bustos moved to approve the amended agenda; motion seconded by Mr. Brimmer. Motion carried unanimously. 1. Approval of Minutes from the October 2, 2017 meeting  Transportation Committee Minutes December 4, 2017 Page 2 of 12 Mr. Brimmer moved for approval of the October 2, 2017, minutes; motion seconded by Mr. Bustos. Motion carried unanimously. 2. Public Comments None 3. Presentation of results of the public meeting regarding the Park West Boulevard widening project. Mr. Lykins stated that staff would be presenting Committee a summary of public input received on the Park West Boulevard widening project with a typical section to be selected for full design. Mead and Hunt will be designing the project and improvements include a four (4) lane divided section with consideration for bike lanes and an improved multi-use path. The project is divided into two (2) phases with phase one (1) beginning at the entrance of the Park West Recreation facility and Park West Boulevard extending to the Grey Marsh Road roundabout. Phase two (2) will encompass the road section from the Grey Marsh Road roundabout to Bessemer Road. The estimated cost is six to seven million, five hundred thousand dollars ($600,000- $7,500,000) with one million, one hundred thousand dollars ($1,100,000) currently budgeted and the design estimated to be completed by Fall 2018. Staff is also reviewing additional bike lanes and upgraded lighting for the remainder of Park West Boulevard that is not included in the section that is being presented. Mr. DeMoura stated that the prior Transportation Committee’s desire was not to phase the project and staff has presented Committee with two (2) phases as an option should a phased scenario fit within the budget constraints. Mr. Morrison stated that two (2) phased sets of plans will be produced with the option to bid both phases together or separately. Referring to a graphic, Mr. Lykins, explained the project limits from the entrance of the Park West Recreation facility to the Bessemer Road roundabout reflecting the two (2) phases. Staff is seeking direction from Committee for the desired road cross section selected from the three typical  Transportation Committee Minutes December 4, 2017 Page 3 of 12 sections presented at the public input meeting. The purpose of the public input meeting was to present the public with the options and gather input for the proposed improvements on Park West Boulevard. All material and information were provided to the Homeowners Association (HOA) to be distributed to residents. Mayor Haynie inquired when the public input meeting was conducted. Mr. Lykins replied that the meeting was conducted on October 26, 2017. Thirty-eight (38) residents attended the meeting and forty-one (41) residents provided input on the project. Twenty-three (23) residents or fifty-six percent (56%) preferred option typical section one (1), one (1) resident preferred typical section 2, eight (8) residents or twenty percent (20%) preferred typical section three (3), six (6) residents provided feedback regarding drainage issues and alternate roadways and three (3) residents were opposed to the project. Based on the feedback of the public input, typical section one (1) was recommended by staff for full design. Mr. Bustos inquired if in typical section two (2), a shared use lane would still have a cyclist in the roadway with no designated lanes. Mr. Lykins replied in the affirmative explaining that a cyclist would have full use of the lane, sharing the lane with the vehicle. Mr. Bustos asked if there was an option for a bike lane or an amount of asphalt to be added to the walking path for cyclist. Mr. Lykins replied in the affirmative stating that all three (3) options include improvements to the multi-use path. Mr. Bustos inquired if improvements to the path would be wide enough for pedestrians and cyclists. Mr. Lykins replied in the affirmative stating that currently the path is approximately six (6) ft. wide. Staff would like to widen the multi-use path to eight (8) or ten (10) ft. wide, if possible. Option one (1) includes a marked bike lane explaining that bike lanes are very popular for avid cyclists and commuters. An experienced cyclist will opt to ride in traffic so providing a lane is beneficial. There are marked bike lanes on Dunes West Boulevard and  Transportation Committee Minutes December 4, 2017 Page 4 of 12 in the future, it would be desirable to have bike lanes along Dunes West and Park West Boulevards between SC-41 and US -17. Mr. Brimmer commented that the multi-use path will continue to be used by children and residents that are riding for recreation and competitive riders will use the roadway. Mayor Haynie stated that with regards to the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) and the Ben Sawyer Boulevard, it is his understanding that once a bike lane is striped, cyclists must use it and asked Mr. Morrison if his understanding is correct. Mr. Morrison replied in the negative stating that rule does not apply to the Park West Boulevard widening project since, in addition to the marked bike lane in the roadway, a multi-use path is proposed, which would allow both bicyclists and pedestrians and it would be designed as such. The current multi-use path in Park West is six (6) ft. wide and does not meet the minimum standards. Although the path has historically been utilized as a multi-use path, it should actually be designated as a sidewalk because the minimum width of a multi-use path is eight (8) ft. and when a multi-use path has heavier usage, the width should be ten to twelve (10-12) ft. wide, which allows for options of marking for bike and pedestrian user. Because the path is in an easement, staff will need to investigate the option to widen it to approximately ten to twelve (10-12) ft. to ensure there are no conflicts with utilities or other issues. Currently, staff is proposing to widen the multi-use path to minimum of eight (8) ft. Mayor Haynie inquired if option one (1) would include a striped bike lane on the roadway and noted that to comply with the law, a cyclist is required to stay within the designated lane and further inquired if the striped bike lane precludes the cyclists from using the multi-use path. Mr. Morrison replied that bikes would be permitted on the multi-use path and the only thing that would be prohibited would be golf carts or any other type of motorized vehicle. Mayor Haynie commented that the experienced commuter or competitive cyclist will be gaining a bike lane as an alternative to the multi-use path.  Transportation Committee Minutes December 4, 2017 Page 5 of 12 Mr. Morrison replied in the affirmative stating cyclists have expressed a preference to a designated bike lane on the roadway to eliminate any conflict between competitive cyclists and pedestrians or casual cyclists due to high speed differentials. It is best to have pedestrians and casual cyclists on the multi-use path. Mr. Brimmer stated the issue is a safety issue since the sidewalk path is currently offset from the road and causes cars exiting subdivisions to stop at the path and again at the intersection creating a safer ride for the competitive cyclist. Mayor Haynie asked DeMoura what staff needed the Committee to do to proceed with the improvements. Mr. DeMoura replied staff is asking Committee to choose the cross section that will dictate the design. Mr. Haynie stated that after a motion has been made, the floor will open for discussion. Mr. Bustos asked if the motion would be a recommendation to full Council. Mr. DeMoura replied that this type of decision is usually left to Committee. 4. Selection of road cross section for Park West Boulevard Mr. Brimmer moved to recommend option number one for the Park West Boulevard widening roadway; motion seconded by Mr. Bustos. Pat Sullivan, 1002 Plantation Court, asked how wide the bike lane will be. Mr. Lykins answered the bike lane will be four (4) ft. wide. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Brimmer thanked Mr. Morrison for including a discussion on the issue of lighting on Park West Boulevard. Park West Boulevard is very dark and as traffic increases, the issue of how to best to light that road should be discussed during the Council Retreat to include discussion of traffic flow at the intersections of the schools in the area and the options of a signalized intersection or a roundabout at Stockdale Street. There is concern in the neighborhood that a roundabout or another option there would be worth  Transportation Committee Minutes December 4, 2017 Page 6 of 12 examining due to the absence of signals in Park West. The Town has invested a lot of money to keep traffic flowing through the neighborhood and signalizing the intersection may hamper that effort. Discussion should occur for consideration of installing a roundabout or another option to maintain continuous movement along Park West Boulevard in addition to keeping the aesthetics of the neighborhood. Mayor Haynie inquired if the issue of lighting is being addressed. Mr. Lykins stated that the project design will most likely include lighting and there is consideration for the remainder of Park West Boulevard to US-17 and back to Wando Planation Way that would be include bike lanes and lighting for both roadway sections. The design may not be constructed as part of the project being discussed, but would be designed so that as funding becomes available the improvements can be completed. Mr. Morrison explained that South Carolina Electric and Gas (SCE&G) utilizes a cost recovery formula and if it is not met in three and half or four years, the Town will pay an aid to construction cost. With recent projects, there has not been a significant cost to aid in construction because the cost to recovery ratio is being met. Mr. Lykins explained that the project will be included in our design to include conduit and all other necessary components to complete lighting later. Particularly with increased pedestrian activities and crossing that will be delineated, lighting should be considered in a comprehensive plan. Mr. Brimmer inquired if the crosswalks would be marked. Mr. Morrison answered in the affirmative stating that the proper treatment type for a four (4) lane roadway will be taken into consideration. 5. Discussion of cut through traffic on Cottingham Drive Mayor Haynie recognized Paul Thompson stating that Mr. Thompson will be addressing Committee on the issue of cut through traffic on Cottingham Drive. Paul Thompson, 1077 Cottingham Drive, introduced Bryce Westcott stating that the issue of cut through traffic on Cottingham Drive has been ongoing  Transportation Committee Minutes December 4, 2017 Page 7 of 12 and that he has been involved in resolving the issue since 2007. Concerns were expressed to Councilmember Santos on February 23rd and a recent incident involving a visitor and another vehicle that could have potentially resulted in an accident prompted his letter to Committee. Multiple studies have been conducted with Stantec Consulting being the most recent. As a result of the study, a speed hump was relocated, and an additional stop sign was installed at the intersection of Pelzer Drive and Cottingham Drive. While the efforts of the Town are appreciated, driving conditions have not improved. The additional stop sign is an improvement, but a waste of taxpayers’ money due to driver’s disregard of the sign with the assumption that other drivers will stop. With the addition of popular businesses within the area and the construction of Shem Creek Park, cut through traffic has increased. Cooper Estates is an older neighborhood and residents would like to retain the characteristics of the neighborhood regarding the density of building types and quiet streets. Concerns were expressed after the most recent study conducted by Stantec Consulting that residents were not included in an open discussion relating to the issue. Previous Council members have asked residents what the preference is for a solution. Traffic calming in the realm of landscaping could be beneficial. Mr. Westcott has researched landscaping options that have been presented to the Transportation Department and Council members. Additionally, research indicates that various municipalities have granted drive through restrictions in selected areas and Dorchester County has an ordinance that prohibits cut through traffic. Deputy Chief Kinard has stated that signage and message boards have been installed to address cut through issues citing that issues have been reduced by sixty to eighty percent (60-80%) based on data collected by stealth traffic counters. The Town previously informed residents that funds were not available to accomplish this option. Cut through traffic is an issue and residents are pleading for the Town to address their concerns. Mayor Haynie stated that the Town does not allow construction of new roadways without sidewalks being incorporated in the design. When Cooper Estates was developed, construction of sidewalks was not a concern. When newly elected as a Council Member, one of the first motions he made was  Transportation Committee Minutes December 4, 2017 Page 8 of 12 with regard to traffic calming in the Groves subdivision. A lot of traffic calming measures were implemented the Groves perhaps creating more cut through traffic on Cottingham Drive. Mayor Haynie addressed staff and inquired what the first step would be to address the issue of cut through traffic on Cottingham Drive. Mr. Morrison provided a brief history stating that an extensive study was conducted and involved both neighborhoods to examine the impact on traffic calming measures in one (1) neighborhood affecting the other neighborhood. This effort was grass-roots driven with the Town engaging the residents with each neighborhood having a group of residents that advised the process. The Town provided options that included discussion of roadway closures and diverters those discussions produced the traffic calming measures that are currently in place. Addressing cut through traffic is difficult in Cooper Estates and options are limited, as a road closure is significant and diverters are not an option. In summary, staff has worked with the neighborhoods and the Town has addressed the speed control issue as best possible to this point. While knowing that controlling cut through traffic would be difficult, there was always question as to how much speed controls would divert motorists away from Cooper Estates. Stantec Consulting performed a before and after study approximately five (5) months ago that can be provided to Committee again to review the volumes and the speeds. Mayor Haynie asked Mr. Johnson if he was familiar with or had seen the study being discussed. Mr. Johnson stated that he is aware of the study, but has not seen it. Mr. Haynie stated that the pre-study is being discussed and asked when the traffic calming plan was implemented in the Groves. Mr. Morrison replied that the traffic calming plan was implemented in fall of 2016 and the before and after study was conducted in the spring of 2017. The study can be provided again to Committee and Mr. Thompson. If the issue of diverting cut through traffic and traffic calming is re-visited, the neighborhood should be fully engaged in the process. While some residents on Cottingham Drive may be in favor of a road closure, other residents within  Transportation Committee Minutes December 4, 2017 Page 9 of 12 the community may be opposed. Any type of diverter on Cottingham Drive is not an option and would be the same as a road closure. Mr. DeMoura stated that Mr. Morrison’s statements are correct and that neighborhood representatives were involved in the process and a product was delivered. The process was contentious and issues have been resolved for the time being. If there is any movement to re-address the issue, the process should start at the beginning and involve the full community to allow all residents to express their opinions. Mayor Haynie stated that another option is heightened law enforcement. At times, this can anger residents within the community if they are ticketed as opposed to ticketing what is perceived as cut through traffic. Mayor Haynie is seeking direction from Committee and the community on how best to proceed in this process. Mr. Thompson suggested performing traffic counts on all streets in Cooper Estates to evaluate traffic if the entire community is considered stakeholders, with the intention to find a solution to keep reckless drivers from using Cottingham Drive as a cut through in order to save time on their commute. Mr. Haynie asked Mr. Morrison if there was a current traffic count. Mr. Morrison replied that he thought the latest traffic count was approximately three thousand, eight hundred (3,800) vehicles per day. Mr. Bustos stated that other streets contribute to the speed and volume of traffic on Cottingham Drive. While law enforcement may not decrease the traffic volumes, it would be the most effective solution to prevent reckless driving within the community. Mr. Thompson stated reckless driving is not caused by residents in the neighborhood. Residents are concerned about the safety of their children, pets and pedestrians. It is drivers who have no stake in the neighborhood that are creating the dangerous situation. Traffic has increased with the addition of new businesses and recreational parks and the amount of litter has also increased. Increased enforcement is not the solution.  Transportation Committee Minutes December 4, 2017 Page 10 of 12 Mr. Haynie stated that Committee and staff will continue to examine the issue. Bryce Westcott, 1061 Cottingham Drive, stated that he has lived in the area for approximately nine (9) years and has worked with Mr. Morrison and Mr. Ponder to resolve the issue. Traffic volumes have exponentially increased, and distracted drivers are creating a greater danger. Installing sidewalks on Cottingham Drive has been discussed and are beneficial in certain regards to particular areas because pedestrians are not on the roadway. Constructing sidewalks on Cottingham Drive will only increase cut through traffic because pedestrians will no longer be using the roadway. I am taxed at the same rate a resident on Pelzer Drive even though the quality of life has decreased on Cottingham Drive due to cut through traffic. Having the speed humps resurfaced and installing an additional stop sign is a great start, but more needs to be done. Mayor Haynie asked Mr. Morrison if there are any measures that reduce traffic volumes or modify driver behavior. The Committee will communicate with staff and provide an update. The issue can also be placed on the Transportation Committee agenda because public safety is a priority. 6. Review and evaluation of the Coleman Boulevard Revitalization project. Mr. DeMoura asked if Committee desired a general review or discussion in an open session noting that any issues that relate to a contractual matter should be discussed in Executive Session. Mayor Haynie asked for questions or comments. None. Mr. Haynie expressed his surprise that there were no comments stating that residents continually voice opinions and concerns relating to the project. The project has been placed on the agenda to examine options pertaining to the contractual matter. Pat Sullivan, 1002 Plantation Court, stated she was present at the meeting where Mr. DeMoura and Mr. Morrison presented statistics on the value of a median and that the discussion has not been recognized other than the  Transportation Committee Minutes December 4, 2017 Page 11 of 12 opinion that the median needs to be removed. Safety standards should be taken into consideration with regard to the median. With the issue of cut through traffic on Cottingham, there have been instances where landscaping has been successful. Mayor Haynie asked Ms. Sullivan to forward her information on landscaping to. Mr. Bustos moved to go into Executive Session to receive legal advice on any issue related to the review and evaluation of the Coleman Boulevard Revitalization project; Mr. Brimmer asked for a background as to why Committee needs an Executive Session and what Committee is trying to accomplish. Mr. Bustos stated that business owners and residents constantly express concern relating to medians being installed on Coleman Boulevard. It is interesting that medians are being installed on Coleman Boulevard and removed near the new Lowes on US-17 and this issue has not been thoroughly thought out. He has been opposed to many things on Coleman Boulevard and finds it interesting that at a time medians are being installed on Coleman Boulevard, they are being removed in other areas to improve traffic and that is why it is important for the issue to be discussed. Mr. Brimmer asked for clarification that the Executive Session is to discuss the possibility of removing the medians. Mr. Bustos stated the Executive Session is to review the overall contract and the medians are one of the salient points. Motion seconded by Mr. Brimmer. Motion carried unanimously. 7. Executive session to receive legal advice on any issue related to the review and evaluation of the Coleman Boulevard Revitalization project, if needed. Mayor Haynie adjourned the meeting to Executive Session at 1:01 p.m. 8. Post Executive Session  Transportation Committee Minutes December 4, 2017 Page 12 of 12 Committee may take action on any item listed on an executive session agenda or discussed in an executive session during a properly noticed meeting. Mayor Haynie reconvened the meeting at 1:50 p.m. and stated that no actions were taken and no motions were made. 9. Update – ongoing projects The Administrator stated due to time constraints, the update relating to ongoing projects would be attached to the minutes. 10. Adjourn There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 1:51p.m. Respectfully submitted by, Cathy Godsey December 7, 2017 • Designer is Mead and Hunt. • Improvements include a four lane divided roadway. • Bicycle and pedestrian path improvements. • Phase 1 - Recreation area to Grey Marsh Road. • Phase 2 – Grey Marsh Road to Bessemer Road. • Estimated Cost - $7.5 M Budgeted Amount $ 1.1M • Design complete in Fall 2018. • Consideration for bike lanes for remainder of Park West Boulevard. • Meeting Purpose: Present to the public and gather input for the proposed improvements to Park West Boulevard. • 38 attendees and 41 comments received. • 23 (56%) preferred Typical Section 1 (Marked Bike Lane). • 1 (2%) preferred Typical Section 2 (Shared Use Lane). • 8 (20%) preferred Typical Section 3 (No Bike Lane). • 6 (15%) preferred other configurations. • 3 (7%) opposed the project. • Recommendation is to proceed with Typical Section 1 Transportation CIP Project Updates DECEMBER , 2017  Ongoing CIP Construction Coleman Boulevard Revitalization New 2018 CIP Design Long Point Road Realignment and Extension Coleman Boulevard and Patriot’s Point Intersection Improvements Billy Swails Boulevard Phase 4B Shem Creek Bridge Bike Lanes Park West Boulevard Widening All American Boulevard Extension Coleman Boulevard Revitalization CONTRACTOR: Blythe Development START DATE: September 11, 2017 COMPLETE DATE: August 31, 2019 STATUS: TC Stage 1 – Westbound Construction community liaison visiting businesses. Developed project website.  “What We Get” • Main Street atmosphere where people gather, live, work and play. • Enhanced mobility for pedestrians and cyclists as well as motorists. • Greatly improved drainage facilities that decreases stormwater discharge to adjacent neighborhoods. • 24.32 acres of runoff cleaned before entering Shem Creek watershed. • Improved lighting and landscaping for safety and beautification. • Additional transit facilities with pull-outs and shelters.  Long Point Road Realignment and Extension CONSTRUCTION COST ESTIMATE (YTD BUDGETED): $16,810,000 ($4,982,249) DESIGNER: JMT COMPLETION DATE: Design: September 2019 – Construction: September 2022 STATUS: Design and NEPA process is ongoing.  Coleman Boulevard and Patriot’s Point Road Intersection Improvements CONSTRUCTION COST ESTIMATE (YTD BUDGETED): $5,100,000 ($5,100,000) CONSULTANT: STV Incorporated COMPLETION DATE: Design and Permitting: February 2019 – Construction: December 2020 STATUS: Surveying and preliminary engineering began August 2017. Preliminary designs due this month.  Billy Swails Boulevard 4B CONSTRUCTION COST ESTIMATE (YTD BUDGETED): $12,568,497 ($2,568,497 TOMP and $10,000,000 Federal) DESIGNER: Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. COMPLETION DATE: Design: August 2020 – Construction: August 2022 STATUS: Preliminary engineering began in August 2017. Public meeting in January. Traffic analysis and modeling is ongoing.  Shem Creek Bridge Bike Lanes CONSTRUCTION COST ESTIMATE (YTD BUDGETED): $791,000 ($158,000 TOMP and $633,000 Federal) CONSULTANT: CDM Smith COMPLETION DATE: Design: January 2018 – Construction: December 2019 STATUS: Held Public Information Meeting. Currently developing preliminary plans.  Park West Boulevard Widening CONSTRUCTION COST ESTIMATE (YTD BUDGETED): $6,571,250 ($1,100,000) CONSULTANT: Mead and Hunt COMPLETION DATE: Design – December 2018 STATUS: Design contract awarded and notice to proceed issued in August 2017. • Public Meeting on October 26 • Bike Lanes vs. MUP – Full design to advance after typical section selected.  All American Boulevard Extension All American Blvd. PRELIMINARY COST ESTIMATE (YTD BUDGETED): $5,122,000 ($0) CONSULTANT: Mead and Hunt DESIGN: March 2018 – December 2019 CONSTRUCTION: March 2020 – December 2021 STATUS: Currently developing project scope of work. TRANSPORTATION SALES TAX (TST) & CHARLESTON TRANSPORATION COMMITTEE (CTC) PROJECTS TST Projects • SC-41 Widening – Public Information Meeting Held. NEPA process ongoing. • Park West Boulevard Left Turn Lane @ Recreation Complex – Complete. • Park West Boulevard Sidewalk Roundabout to US-17 – Complete. • Park West Boulevard Sidewalk Stockdale Street to Recreation Complex – Under Construction. • Anna Knapp Boulevard Sidewalk Johnnie Dodds to Hibben Ferry – Begin design next year. • Center Street @ Ben Sawyer Signal Installation – Provided funding. TRANSPORTATION SALES TAX (TST) & CHARLESTON TRANSPORATION COMMITTEE (CTC) PROJECTS CTC Projects • Pelzer Drive Sidewalk - Bids exceeded budget. County to rebid as part of larger package. • Lansing Drive Sidewalk – Currently under design. • Seacoast Parkway Sidewalk – Funded in 2018. Design to begin in 2019.