Public Works / Traffic / Transit Committee

Chris Jenkins, Director Justin Messer, Assistant Director PUBLIC WORKS DIVISION , Cemetery Department Jody Gonzales, Superintendent Engineering Services Aaron Carroll, Director Public Works Vehicle Maintenance Department Joe Krinke, Superintendent Solid Waste Collections Department Tim Garrett, Director Solid Waste Processing & Disposal Department Lee Stone, Director Streets & Drainage Department Chad Hampton, Director Transit Department PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSIT COMMITTEE Kathy Shealy, Director AND TRAFFIC COMMISSION July 13, 2022 10:00 AM. Sam King Room - 601 Broad Street PRESENT: Commissioner Mark Cochran Commissioner Bonny Askew Commissioner Jim Bojo Mr. Sammy Rich, City Manager Ms. Meredith Ulmer, Assistant City Manager Ms. Toni Rhinehart, Finance Director Mr. Chris Jenkins, Public Works Director Mr. Justin Messer, Assistant Public Works Director Maj. Paul Webber, Rome Police Department Mr. Aaron Carroll, Engineering Services Director Ms. Kathy Shealy, Transit Director Ms. Courtnay Griffin, Assistant Transit Director Ms. Aundi Lesley, DDA Director Ms. Julie Harris, Parking Services Manager Mr. Artegus Newell, Planning Director Ms. Kayla Schaff, Associate Transportation Planner Mr. Doug Walker, Public Information Officer CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Cochran called the meeting to order. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the previous meeting were approved by common consent. 200 Vaughn Road • PO Box 1433 • Rome, Georgia 30162-1433 Phone: 706/236-4466 • fax: 706/236-4532 POLICE REPORTS Paul Webber presented the Accident/DUI report for June. He noted that accidents were 163 in June down from last year at the same time. We are down by 3 accidents for the year. There were 50 injuries, which was the same as last year. DUI arrests were 21, up 1 from last year. Total traffic cases were 753 vs 682 same time last year. The busiest time of the day for accidents and injuries was at lunch time on a Wednesday and at 5 PM on weekdays. The Turner McCall /Hicks Drive/Riverbend Drive intersection was the highest accident intersection with 7, followed by the Redmond Circle/Shorter Avenue with 5. Commissioner Cochran asked the meaning of the different patrol sectors. Maj. Webber responded that sectors 2 and 3 are West Rome, 4 is South Rome, 5 East Rome and 6 is North Rome. TRANSIT OPERATIONS Transit Updates Ms. Shealy reported the five Gillibus’ that were ordered are still expected in late October/ early November. Since an order for four more buses was canceled by the manufacturer, GDOT allowed us to order off the Oklahoma State contract. We expect those buses to be delivered in late October. We will hopefully have nine new buses by the end of the year. Ms. Griffin reported they have been working on getting out in the community and focus on letting people know about free transit and how to use the system. This last month we have partnered with Rome/Floyd Commission on Children and Youth. She has had them fill out surveys for interest in expanding to GA Highlands and hosted a route ride with 20 different non-profit organizations and service providers to ride the routes and learn how to use the bus system so they can better help their clients with transportation. She added that the Open Door Home is scheduling some time to teach their residents how to ride the bus. She also went to Restoration Rome to meet with a parent support group to give them information about how to ride the bus as well. She noted that we have had some great community outreach in the last couple of months in advance of receiving the new buses. Commissioner Cochran asked how Ridgeferry bus stop is going. Ms. Griffin responded that it has been a slow start up, but ridership is beginning to increase. Financial report Ms. Rhinehart gave the financial report. She noted that Paratransit is up slightly over last year due to a slight increase in ridership. There is $179,942 under the Contributed Capital line in the Non-Transportation Revenue section that accounts for the buses we have received from Gainesville. Revenues are a bit ahead due to State contract for services, Public Work Committee/Transit Committee/Traffic Commission Minutes July 13, 2022 Page 2 of 4  which is Paratransit. Under expenses, Main Line is in keeping with last year. Paratransit expenses are up slightly. OLD BUSINESS Speed Tables -Mr. Jenkins reported the speed tables are being installed this morning starting on the south bound side of the 300-block. The plan is to install the 300 block over the next two or three days and the 200-block next week. Parks Hoke Park – Mr. Carroll reported that Parks Hoke Park is progressing well. He presented a photo from Nixon Avenue showing the new slab laid for the gym and beyond that the slab for the pavilion building, which has been poured as well. The storm drainage has been delayed while waiting for materials that should be in the latter part of August. Mt. Berry Trail Phase 2 Bridge Installation-Mr. Carroll reported that all weather access roads have been constructed on both sides of the creek. Piles will be driven by the end of the day Monday. Maple Street East Sidewalk Improvements from E 12 th to E14th-Mr. Carroll reported this is a project with Ms. Fox in Community Development and will encompass the east side of Maple St from E 12th all the way down to 14th St. Spriggs is doing the work and they are down to the intersection of E 14th now. He noted a new design for the mailboxes has been implemented with the boxes parallel to the street rather than facing the street. This allows more room for pedestrians on the sidewalk and enables residents to reach their mail without stepping into the street. River Arts District - Mr. Carroll presented the preliminary plans for the River Arts District. It is broken into three phases, Phase 1 is North 5th Avenue including the bridge over the Oostanaula River, Phase 2 is West 3rd St. and Phase 3 includes Avenue A and North 5th Avenue. He noted the drawings are not yet complete on the sidewalk work to be done on West 3rd. NEW BUSINESS Maplewood East Lane Divider Mr. Jenkins updated the Committee on Maplewood East sign that was recently hit by a motorist and destroyed. The sign had been a point of contention with neighbors who found it difficult to see around it when trying to exit Maplewood East. He noted the sign was originally installed by developers in the right of way, although there are stipulations in the ULDC against monument signs within 20 feet of the right of way, and the sign itself is owned by the Homeowners Association. Since the sign was removed, we have received requests to reinstall it, to install it further back, and most recently for a raised concrete median in its place that would better define the lanes. Mr. Rich suggested obtaining an easement from the neighboring corners so the sign could be placed back off the right of way. Public Work Committee/Transit Committee/Traffic Commission Minutes July 13, 2022 Page 3 of 4 Commissioner Bojo moved to demolish the island, pave, stripe and add pavement markings including right and left turn arrows. Commissioner Cochran seconded. The motion carried. Request from First Presbyterian Church to Close a Portion of E 3rd Avenue on August 14th from 6 AM until 4 PM Mr. Jenkins presented a request from First Presbyterian Church on E 3rd Avenue. This is an annual event they have been having for several years without incident or complaint. Commissioner Bojo moved to approve the request. Commissioner Cochran seconded. The motion carried. OTHER Commissioner Cochran asked Mr. Jenkins if he has heard from GDOT regarding the paving of Shorter Ave. Mr. Jenkins said he knows it will be done this year, but he will confirm the dates at TPC next Wednesday. Mr. Carroll noted that 2nd Avenue will be put out to bid in August. Commissioner Cochran asked if Grant Waldrop can be invited to our September or October meeting. MONTHLY REPORTS The monthly department reports were distributed for review. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully Submitted, Margaret Hollingsworth Margaret W. Hollingsworth, Secretary. Public Work Committee/Transit Committee/Traffic Commission Minutes July 13, 2022 Page 4 of 4