Municipal Infrastructure Commission

8/17/2023 - Minutes I. Call to Order Members Present: Councilor Bryn Oakleaf (Council Liaison), Peter Wernsdorfer, Adam Jacobs, Laura Murphy, Noah Horowitz, Nick Woolf (Inclusion and Belonging Commission Equity Ambassador) City Staff Present: Jon Rauscher Guests Present: Nick Woolf: Jason Charest – Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC), Kevin McCarthy (WSP), Erik Maki (WSP), Susan Grasso (Local Motion), Micayla Schambura Call to Order by: Peter Wernsdorfer Meeting Start Time: 6:30 PM II. Public Comment None III. Approve Previous Meeting Minutes Not approved - only one member present that attended the previous meeting, no quorum. IV. New Commissioner Introductions New commissioners Adam Jacobs, Laura Murphy, and Noah Horowitz were introduced. M. Schambura was also introduced. She will be recommended for a commission appointment at the September Council meeting. V. Lafountain/Dion Street Scoping Study: Draft Alternatives Review J. Rauscher and J. Charest provided background and an overview of the planning study. The study is being performed to solicit public feedback for transportation and streetscape improvements along the corridor. The goal of the study is to select short-term and long-term improvements for future implementation. The MIC is acting as an advisory committee for this project. WSP provided a recap of the slides presented during the public May 8 th local concerns meeting. An updated version of the project Purpose and Needs statement was presented for input. Councilor Oakleaf identified improved street lighting as a potential item to review. Utility undergrounding was discussed. WSP identified this scope as design-level scope and not included in the study. J Rauscher also highlighted the additional funding undergrounding would require. WSP presented draft alternatives for discussion, 2 “low cost”, 1 “medium cost” and 2 “high cost””  included in the study. J Rauscher also highlighted the additional funding undergrounding would require. WSP presented draft alternatives for discussion, 2 “low cost”, 1 “medium cost” and 2 “high cost”” Members recommended the alternatives be labeled as “short-term” and “long-term” options. J. Rauscher confirmed the intent of the study is to identify low-cost short-term improvements that could be implemented in the near-term. Long-term improvements would be associated with necessary water main replacement work that is estimated to occur within 5-10 years pending available budget. Both short- and long-term alternatives proposed the elimination of on-street parking east of Leclair Street based on parking count data. Parking count results will be provided at the September meeting. WSP highlighted potential traffic calming elements including curb extensions, median refuge islands, neighborhood traffic circles and chicanes. Members recommended that if neighborhood traffic circles were proposed they be highly visible with signage/plantings. Local Motion recommended reviewing centerline removal as an option to reduce driving lane widths. J. Rauscher to review minimum width needed for plowing operations. A member of the public recommended prioritizing sidewalks over bike lanes. WSP will prepare concept plans and sections for next meeting to better visualize alternatives Discussion was mainly around short-term alternatives. J. Rauscher recommended members discuss long-term alternatives at the September meeting. VI. FY24 Work Plan Discussion Tabled due to time limitations VII. City Council Liaison Updates Councilor Oakleaf provided updates on current City Council initiatives. She also highlighted the upcoming Pride Event on September 9 th . VIII. City Staff Liaison Updates J. Rauscher provided brief updates on the Main Street revitalization project, Winooski River bridge replacement work and the Lot 7D parking garage/Hotel development. IX. Adjourn Motion by: L. Murphy Second: A. Jacobs Meeting End Time: 8:30 PM Second: A. Jacobs Meeting End Time: 8:30 PM