City Council Community Planning & Transportation Committee Meeting

CITY OF NORMAN, OK CITY COUNCIL COMMUNITY PLANNING & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MEETING Municipal Building, Executive Conference Room, 201 West Gray, Norman, OK 73069 Thursday, September 26, 2024 at 4:00 PM MINUTES The Community Planning & Transportation Committee of the City of Norman, Cleveland County, State of Oklahoma, will meet in Regular Session in the Executive Conference Room in the Municipal Building, on Thursday, September 26, 2024 at 4:00 PM, and notice of the agenda of the meeting was posted at the Norman Municipal Building at 201 West Gray and on the City website at least 24 hours prior to the beginning of the meeting. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Stephen Holman called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm. PRESENT Chairman Holman OTHERS PRESENT Councilmember Ward 4 Helen Grant Ms. Shannon Stevenson, Assistant City Manager Mr. Taylor Johnson, Transit and Parking Program Manager Mr. Tim Miles, City Engineer Ms. Beth Muckala, Assistant City Attorney III Mr. Anthony Purinton, Assistant City Attorney II Mr. Eugene Fritz, EMBARK Chief of Security Mr. Larry Wyatt, EMBARK Area Representative Ms. Katherine Hammans, Administrative Tech III, City Clerk Office CITY COUNCIL COMMUNITY PLANNING & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MEETING - Thursday, September 26, 2024 Page |1 AGENDA ITEMS 1. PUBLIC TRANSIT REPORT. Mr. Taylor Johnson, Transit and Parking Program Manager, presented the August 2024 Program report. • Ridership for August FY24 showed a significant increase compared to the previous year. o 38,329 FY24 Ridership Total (Embark Norman service) ▪ 36,000 riders – Fixed Route ▪ 2,200 riders - Paratransit o Previous Year Total: 24,440 riders • Increase in ridership attributed to: o Return of university students. o Route changes made in October now allow for better year-over-year comparisons. o New users (e.g., freshmen) engage with the system. Norman On-Demand Service • Service officially entered its second year in August. • August Ridership: 4,694 passengers. • Year-to-Date Total (FY24): Over 33,000 riders. • Plan to shift future reports to compare by fiscal year rather than calendar year. • Expansion updates: o Extension to Ed Noble Parkway and surrounding areas implemented in May. o Staff to provide specific ridership data for newly expanded areas next month. Mr. Johnson said Staff will work on providing data specific information on the impacts of ridership numbers and rider behavior/demand from the recent service area expansion (e.g., Ed Noble Parkway to Healthplex) for the next meeting. Microtransit Expansion Requests • Continued interest in: o Earlier start times for Microtransit. o Evolving EMBARK Plus into an on-demand, app-based system. • EMBARK nearing agreement with a new software provider which could: o Improve demand-based paratransit options. o Offer fixed-route alternatives to Microtransit users via app. CITY COUNCIL COMMUNITY PLANNING & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MEETING - Thursday, September 26, 2024 Page |2 1. (continued) PUBLIC TRANSIT REPORT. American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Discussion • 3 out of 7 Norman On-Demand vans are ADA accessible. • Proposal raised to offer earlier service hours only for ADA riders using Microtransit vehicles. • Services are underused during night hours. • City staff will explore options while balancing with ongoing software and service improvements. Fixed Route System Performance • All routes showed a year-over-year increase in ridership compared to August of the previous year. • Committee members expressed optimism about the positive impact of the route changes made almost a year ago. • The system is now more efficient, reliable, and covers a wider service area. • Ridership continues to be a strong indicator of system improvement and public engagement. ***** 2. DISCUSSION REGARDING SECURITY AT THE NORMAN TRANSIT CENTER. Mr. Tyler Johnson, Transit and Parking Program Manager, and Mr. Eugene Fritz, EMBARK Chief Security Officer, presented information on security for the Norman Transit Center. The Transit Center opened on October 16, 2023 and Security was discussed at that time and the decision was made to monitor and evaluate the need before making a long-term investment. Recent developments have caused the need for security to be reassessed. o The increase in reported incidents over the past two to three months has prompted renewed discussion. o Since October 2023, 31 reported incidents (not including unreported or unreviewed footage-based incidents). o Most incidents occur between 12:00 PM and 10:00 PM. ▪ Reported incidents include:  Trespassing  Weapon violations  Drug-related violations  Physical assaults  Vagrancy  Public disturbances (e.g., individuals brandishing a BB gun) Mr. Fritz said, based on these ongoing incidents, there is a need for a consistent, physical presence at the Transit Center to support safety and de-escalation of potential incidents. CITY COUNCIL COMMUNITY PLANNING & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MEETING - Thursday, September 26, 2024 Page |3 2. (continued) DISCUSSION REGARDING SECURITY AT THE NORMAN TRANSIT CENTER. Mr. Johnson outlined some of the security options explored by staff. The benefit of having security is to protect bus drivers, staff, and patrons without placing employees in unsafe situations. Staff discussed with the Norman Police Department (NPD) about providing an officer at the transit center and it was determined that the NPD currently lacks staff to provide dedicated coverage. Mental Health-Related Incidents and Response • Further review is needed to determine if issues stem from the mental health crisis. • A case manager in OKC is available for such crises. • 988 mental health crisis line is a statewide resource. • Handled locally by Community Mental Health providers. • Calls may be routed directly to 988 or to 911 if need to be escalated. • Staff said with locally based service provider, response times are relatively quick. • Norman Police Department has collaboration connections to nonprofit mental health organizations for further assistance. • Security contractors could be provided with direct contact information for rapid coordination in crisis situations. • Community Mental Health may have a direct line that could streamline responses even further. • Staff will explore other partnerships with Community Mental Health for quicker emergency response. Private Security Contractor (via EMBARK OKC) • Oklahoma City’s downtown Transit Center uses private security. • Private security staff will: o Not carry weapons o Be trained in de-escalation o Act as a visual deterrent and first responder on-site o Coordinate with NPD in the event of escalated incidents • Contractor is open to amending their contract to include Norman Transit Center. • Two coverage options discussed: o Full coverage (15 hours/day weekdays; 8–9 hours Saturdays): Estimated cost: $145,000/year o Limited coverage (8 hours/day): Estimated cost: $88,000/year Mr. Johnson said adding security is a significant financial cost, but funding is available in the transit budget for the current fiscal year. Future budgets may require adjustments to maintain ongoing coverage. CITY COUNCIL COMMUNITY PLANNING & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MEETING - Thursday, September 26, 2024 Page |4 2. (continued) DISCUSSION REGARDING SECURITY AT THE NORMAN TRANSIT CENTER. • Staff Recommendation: o Weekday coverage from 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM o Saturday coverage from 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM o Aligns security with peak hours of reported incidents. o Route Supervisors will be present during the day and will open/close the Transit Center lobby. o Bus drivers will radio supervisors via the bus communication system or contact emergency services directly if assistance is needed outside contracted hours. EMBARK currently has a contract in place for security services in Oklahoma City and an amendment can be made to include the Norman Transit Center. This would be much faster and more streamlined than a new Request for Proposals, (RFP) process and will likely come back with comparable rates. Some of the advantages of providing these services with the same vendor will include better integration with current EMBARK operations, better oversight and communication and consistency in service expectations. Staff will coordinate with EMBARK, City Legal, and the security contractor to initiate the amendment process. The full contract amendment is expected to be ready within the next month and implemented shortly thereafter. Staff will present additional details and proposals at the next meeting. ***** 3. DISCUSSION REGARDING SERVICE OPTIONS AT THE ADULT WELLNESS AND EDUCATION CENTER. (AWE) Mr. Johnson led the discussion to revisit options for improving transit access to the Adult Wellness and Education Center, (AWE), with three potential approaches: 1. Adjust Route 121 2. Adjust Route 122 3. Implement EMBARK Well (a specialized senior transportation program) Option 1: Adjusting Route 121 • Option one would remove the service from Porter Avenue (southbound) and shift it to Finley Avenue. • Concerns: o Insufficient time in the schedule to accommodate detour. o Would affect the 30-minute frequency of Route 121. o Staff are reluctant to extend route headways beyond 30 minutes due to rider expectations. CITY COUNCIL COMMUNITY PLANNING & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MEETING - Thursday, September 26, 2024 Page |5 3. (continued) DISCUSSION REGARDING SERVICE OPTIONS AT THE ADULT WELLNESS AND EDUCATION CENTER. (AWE) Option 2: Adjust Route 122 • Could provide bi-directional service to AWE. • Trade-offs: o Loss of service along 12th Avenue (Main to Robinson) and Main Street (12th to Finley). o Some coverage will be maintained by Route 111. o Affected stops (e.g., near Walmart) have 4–5 boardings/day, indicating moderate use. o Staff noted anecdotal evidence of strong ridership connections between Garland Square Apartments and the grocery store. • This option includes possible capital costs for adding/removing stops and ADA- compliant sidewalk upgrades. Option 3: Implement EMBARK Well Program • Modeled after the EMBARK Well service in Oklahoma City. • Provides free rides to seniors aged 60+ to approved nonprofit wellness locations (e.g., YMCA, parks, MAPS 3 wellness centers). • Operates Monday–Friday, 7 AM–7 PM. • Benefits: o Focused solution for senior access without route disruption. o Use private transportation contractors rather than city-operated vehicles. o No fare for eligible seniors. • Challenges: o Need to verify contractor availability in Norman. o Consider whether to pilot in-house if needed. • Staff provided ridership data from FY19–22, showing seasonal dips but overall program growth. Committee members asked about surveying AWE users to assess preference between traditional fixed-route service and the EMBARK Well program. Staff will work with the Healthy Living contractor to develop a more targeted survey, in order to evaluate riders’ preference between current transportation use and future preference for EMBARK Well vs a route adjustment. o Flexible programs could provide stopgap transit options to AWE, YMCA, or city parks o AWE membership starts at age 50, EMBARK Well is currently 60+. o The committee discussed lowering eligibility to 50+ in Norman to align with AWE. CITY COUNCIL COMMUNITY PLANNING & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MEETING - Thursday, September 26, 2024 Page |6 3. (continued) DISCUSSION REGARDING SERVICE OPTIONS AT THE ADULT WELLNESS AND EDUCATION CENTER. (AWE) • Evaluate Cost and feasibility of EMBARK Well implementation in Norman: o Consider user fees or Medicare reimbursement. o Estimated cost: $47,000 annually (based on Oklahoma City Embark budget; local costs may be lower). o Staff will discuss this with Dr. Marilyn Dillon, EMBARK Mobility Management Administrator, about feasibility, potential cost implications, interest and presenting options to AWE users. • Contractor vs. in-house service: o Private contractor availability in Norman o Contractors would need proper vetting and trained drivers. o Possibility of in-house handling if usage is low, though different from Oklahoma City’s model. ● Transit stops evaluation: o Hesitant to remove existing stops. o Robinson & 12th stop strategically placed near crosswalks. o Walmart area: long-standing stop, relocated from within parking lot to 12th Street. o Griffin land redevelopment could increase future demand. o Construction work is ongoing at the transit center stop near Porter. o Bench scheduled for installation, currently stored at maintenance facility. o Planning additional shelters/benches by end-of-year. o Priority locations: Lindsey Street (across Millennium, near Faculty Park), Main & Reed (south side), and others. o Lindsey Street stop has tree shade but a larger pad is needed for shelter installation. ADA requirement: minimum pad size 8 ft by 5 ft for ramp clearance. ● Accessibility concerns: o Johnson & Porter stop access is limited due to incomplete sidewalks and non- ADA compliant paths. o Sidewalks end before reaching stops; terrain includes downhill/uphill paths. o Costly improvements would be needed; redevelopment may resolve accessibility issues in future. ***** 4. DISCUSSION REGARDING ROAD DIETS AND ROUNDABOUTS Tim Miles, Capital Projects Manager, said this item was added to the agenda so that discussion could take place to gather input, direction and clarification on which specific projects and areas of town should be examined. A more detailed presentation on Road Diets and Roundabouts will be given at the next meeting. CITY COUNCIL COMMUNITY PLANNING & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MEETING - Thursday, September 26, 2024 Page |7 4. (continued) DISCUSSION REGARDING ROAD DIETS AND ROUNDABOUTS The Council raised concerns about the intersection at Alameda & Crawford (five-legged intersection, some stop signs missing). Previously requested study did not receive budget funding, and this remains a priority when funds are available. Roundabouts may improve safety and reduce collisions, including fatalities. The Council requested that a citywide evaluation be done on where roundabouts would be most effective at improving traffic flow and safety. Example: Intersection at Franklin (near county jail, I-35 & Highway 77) suggested as possible roundabout site. The status of roundabouts in the Comprehensive Transportation Plan is unclear. Residents often complain about excessive traffic lights and delays in cross-town travel, and even though the City has worked for years on synchronization, challenges still remain. The City of Norman Traffic Management Center is expected to be completed in the near future, and this should improve efficiency and help reduce crashes. Some of the streets under consideration for possible Road Diets are Boyd, Classen, Porter, Alam, West 48th, Boyd, Classen, and Porter identified as urban core areas with heavy pedestrian activity. ● Issues observed: • Boyd: four lanes through campus corner, fast-moving traffic, difficult pedestrian crossing. • Porter: sidewalks directly adjacent to the street, faster traffic after removal of street parking. • Classen: mostly residential, school zones, neighborhood setting. Design approach should prioritize pedestrian safety and business access over maximum vehicle throughput. Suggestion to lower Porter speed limit to 25 mph from 30 mph. James Garner Avenue is now receiving increased traffic, potentially reducing pressure on Porter. Desire for consistent design with Boyd, Classen, and Porter. The Campus Corner intersection (Boyd & Asp) is identified as having heavily used pedestrian crossings, with the current configuration uncomfortable for pedestrians. Staff also noted that new apartments built close to sidewalks highlight the need for safer pedestrian conditions. City staff will prepare a detailed presentation for the next meeting, including data on intersections, traffic counts, peak hours, and potential roundabout/road diet candidates, after further evaluation that includes pedestrian safety, business impact, and traffic flow efficiency. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 4:56 pm. CITY COUNCIL COMMUNITY PLANNING & TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MEETING - Thursday, September 26, 2024 Page |8