2018 07-09
TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Monday, July 9th, 2018 – 3:30 pm
Council Chambers - Meridian City Hall - 33 East Broadway Ave., Meridian, Idaho
1. Roll Call:
Tracy Hopkins Bryan Leisle ___ Luke Cavener (ex-officio)
Ryan Lancaster Ryan Hall ___ Shawn Martin (ex-officio)
Stephen Lewis David McKinney ___ Toni Tisdale (ex-officio)
David Ballard Britton Davis ___ Rhonda Jalbert (ex-officio)
Brent Knezacek Mark Wasdahl (ex-officio) ___ Miranda Carson (ex-officio)
2. Adoption of the Agenda
3. Approval of Minutes From May 7, 2018 Meeting
4. Old Business Items
a. Transportation Projects Update
5. New Business Items
a. Meridian Police Department Status Report
b. Balata Court (Spurwing Subdivision) Traffic Concern
c. Communities in Motion 2040 2.0 Update
d. ValleyConnect 2.0 Update
e. Formation of a School Zone Sub-Committee
f. Staff Communications
6. Future Meeting Topics
a. Paramount Subdivision/Deer Crest Drive/Rocky Mountain High School
Parking and Cut-Through Concern
b. Linder Village Project Update
c. Master Mobility Map
d. Comprehensive Plan Update
e. Local Jurisdiction on State Highways
7. Next Meeting Date: August 6th, 2018
8. Adjourn
Meeting Minutes
Meridian Transportation Commission
July 9, 2018
Council Chambers — Meridian City Hall • 33 East Broadway Ave., Meridian, Idaho
I. Roll Call
(Meeting called to order at 3:30pm, You Tube started and roll taken)
o Tracy Hopkins
X Brian LejslW
p Luke Cavener (ex -officio)
X Ryan Lancaster
X Ryan Hall
X Shawn Martin (ex -officio)
X Stephen Lewis
X David McKinney
X Toni Tisdale (ex -officio)
X David Ballard
�� Britton Davis
o Rhonda Jalbert (ex -officio)
X Brent Knezacek
p Mark Wasdahl (ex -officio)
o Miranda Carson (ex -officio)
Others Present: Sgt. Stacy Arnold, Rick Mauritzson, Liisa Itkonen, Brian Parker, Ted Baird, and
Caleb Hood
2. Adoption of the Agenda
Chairman Ballard asked for agenda discussion or a motion to adopt. No discussion took place
and a motion to adopt the agenda was made by Commissioner Lewis with a second by
Commissioner Davis — all ayes — motion carried.
3. Approval of Minutes from May 7, 2018 Meeting
Chairman Ballard called for any discussion or changes prior to the motion to approve the May
7, 2018 meeting minutes. Commissioner Lewis noted two corrections: on page 2 the speed of
35 mph should be 30 mph and on page 3 the word should be "striping" not "stripping." With
the noted changes Commissioner Lewis made a motion to approve the May 7th meeting
minutes with a second by Commissioner McKinney — all ayes — motion carried.
4. Old Business Items
a. Transportation Projects Update (memo attached; C. Hood)
Mr. Hood began with an apology for the minutes not making it into the packet, but noting that
the Commission had received them prior to today and the noted corrections in the agenda
item previous would be made. Mr. Hood also informed the Commission that Mr. Mark Wasdahl
contacted him to let him know that he would be taking over on the Commission from Ms.
Bowen as Ms. Bowen will be moving out of the area, but unfortunately Mr. Wasdahl could not
make today's meeting.
Mr. Hood then continued with a brief update directing the Commission to page 2 of the packet.
Mr. Hood prefaced that his update would be brief, but if the Commissioners had questions or
needed further detail than what was in the memo to feel free to interrupt and ask. As a
reminder it was noted that new information is in BOLD.
Mr. Hood then made a brief comment regarding the Pine Avenue, Meridian to Locust Grove
project. He observed that they are currently working on curb and gutter at Main Street and the
project is expected to be complete by mid-September.
Mr. Hood moved on to page 3, and highlighted that the Ten Mile Road, McMillan to Chinden
project would have the second Public involvement meeting on August 27" at the Cherry Lane
Library.
Mr. Hood completed his update on page 6 of the packet regarding MDBA's discussion with
ACHD on converting a block of Idaho Avenue to one-way and that option is currently off the
table. Alternative options are being considered. Nick Grove, the MDBA president, will address
City Council in July to ask for a financial partnership with MDBA for design and striping of the
north side of the block to allow for additional angled parking spots.
Chairman Ballard opened the floor for further discussion, on topics presented in the memo; no
discussion took place.
(Chairman Ballard noted that Ms. Jalbert joined the meeting and then closed item 4a)
S. New Business Items
a. Meridian Police Department Status Report (Sgt. Arnold)
Sgt. Arnold noted that he did not have any new items for discussion, but did provide a brief
status on the school zones and the loss of a speeding ticket court case in front of Rocky Mt.
High School recently. Sgt. Arnold stood for questions.
Chairman Ballard opened the floor for discussion and questions and answers, which took place.
b. Balata Court (Spurwing Subdivision) Traffic Concern (Eric Epperson)
Prior to the topic being discussed Mr. Hood provided some context and an introduction. Mr.
Hood met with some concerned citizens and some Spurwing HOA representatives regarding
emergency access, cut -through traffic and speeding. Mr. Hood introduced Rick Mauritzson who
would be presenting the issue and not Mr. Epperson.
Mr. Mauritzson stated his name and address for the record and noted that he would be
representing the homeowners and the Spurwing HOA Board. Mr. Mauritzson began his
presentation, which was provided to the Commission in hard copy, and stated that Ada County
Development Services and the City of Meridian have adversely impacted the property rights
and quality of life for the residents on Balata Court by approving the transformation of the
existing emergency access road located on private property into a connector between two
existing public roadways (West Balata Court and North Sunset Maple Way). West Balata Court
is part of the Spurwing Subdivision and North Sunset Maple Way is part of the Spurwing
Greens Subdivision. Essentially the road is connecting two subdivisions and has exponentially
increased the volume of traffic for the Balata Court residents. Mr. Mauritzson stated the
original purpose of the existing emergency access road was emergency access, but through the
land development approvals this road has essentially become a thoroughfare and not the
intended use of cross -access. The conditions of approvals were given with the expectation that
there would be no more than a 10 car increase in volume, however through two different
ACHD studies the volume has increased to 440-515 cars in the course of a 12 hour timeframe.
Mr. Mauritzson then provided five HOA recommendations for the Commission to consider to
help quell traffic volume through the area. Because this is a complex issue which covers several
jurisdictions Ada County Development Services, City of Meridian and ACHD, the Commission
as an advisory board, asked Mr. Mauritzson what he is requesting of the Commission. Mr.
Mauritzson would like the Commission to consider and propose recommendations to the City
Council and ACHD on how to help alleviate the traffic through the neighborhood that was
once a cul-de-sac and now has free and uncontrolled traffic flow.
Chairman Ballard opened the floor for discussion and a robust conversation with questions and
answers took place. Mr. Baird requested that he be allowed to thoroughly analyze with
Meridian Planning staff the packet of information that Mr. Mauritzson provided and report back
to the Commission next month on actions the Commission can legally undertake.
A motion by Commissioner McKinney to have Planning and Legal Staff review the
documentation and come back next month with options for the Commission - second by
Commissioner Lancaster — all ayes- motion carried.
(Mr. Hood requested a five minute recess to reboot the AN system, Chairman Ballard granted.
The meeting was called back to order at 4:55.)
c. Communities in Motion 2040 2.0 Update (Liisa Itkonen, COMPASS)
Ms. Itkonen began with a brief introduction of herself and provided an overview of COMPASS
(Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho) and their purpose. COMPASS is
comprised of the member agencies and the Board of Directors. The purpose of COMPASS is
to plan for the future of Ada and Canyon County with policy direction from the Board of
Directors. Meridian has representation on the COMPASS board by Mayor Tammy, Councilman
Bernt and Mr. Roundtree.
COMPASS has four main functions:
I. Plan (forward looking)
II. Implement (develop and secure funding for projects)
III. Provide Technical Expertise (Demographic Data Analysis/GIS)
IV. Facilitate (forum/public collaboration)
Communities in Motion (CIM) 2040 was originally adopted in 2014. CIM 2040 2.0 is an update
to the original long range CIM plan and is federally regulated to be updated every 4 years. The
CIM 2040 2.0 Update maintains the horizon year of 2040 CIM and includes the original 8 focus
areas with the addition of 4 transportation systems components.
I. Roadways
II. Public Transportation
III. Active Transportation (bikes)
IV. Freight
COMPASS forecasted that between Ada and Canyon County the population would be at a
million people with half a million jobs by 2040. COMPASS then analyzed the demographic
landscape between Ada and Canyon Counties, by 2040, and related those to the 4
transportation systems and how that would impact the region. COMPASS then compiled a
listing of projects both funded and unfunded that the transportation system should look like by
2040. Ms. Itkonen did a high level review of the draft plan analysis and the priority projects that
comprise the draft plan, which will be published online in the fall for public comment. All the
background documents are being posted to the COMPASS website and links are included in the
Transportation Commission packet.
Ms. Itkonen completed her presentation and stood for questions.
Chairman Ballard opened the floor for discussion, which took place. Once the COMPASS plan
is released for public comment, around September, Ms. Itkonen would encourage individual
and/or comment from this Commission. If the Commission has a formal recommendation Mr.
Hood can bring that to Council. Mr. Hood commented that typically the City adopts the CIM
and any amendments unless there are objections by Council. Mr. Hood noted that Ms. Itkonen
would be invited back to address the Commission post adoption of the CIM 2040 2.0 Update.
No further discussion was had and Chairman Ballard closed topic 5c.
d. ValleyConnect 2.0 Update (R. Jalbert) — Brian Parker, VRT
Chairman Ballard opened the topic and noted that Mr. Parker from VRT would present and not
Ms. Jalbert. Mr. Parker began with a brief introduction of himself and then began his
presentation.
The ValleyConnect 2.0 plan was adopted in April 2018 and Mr. Parker reviewed the data and
the next steps. Councilman Cavener and Councilwoman Milam represent Meridian on the VRT
Board. The Plan addresses, at a high level, the policy and transportation network that VRT
desires to be at over the next few years, comparable to peer cities of similar size, i.e. Reno,
Spokane, and Tucson. It addresses the needs of the citizens and the routes/locations they
desire, by providing greater service availability, i.e. late night and weekend service, frequent
routes of 15 minutes or less, etc. Meridian residents provided significant comment during the
public comment period.
Mr. Parker reviewed the current routes of VRT under the growth scenario and what needs to
happen to address the public's transportation desires. VRT is looking for implementation and
financial partnerships with the surrounding cities and other supporting transportation agencies,
to incorporate their plans and meet the needs of the citizens.
Chairman Ballard opened the floor for discussion and commented that public transportation is
an important topic and extended the offer to Mr. Parker to return at a future time. No
discussion was had and item 5d was closed.
(Chairman Ballard noted the approaching closing time of the meeting and asked for a motion to
continue by 15 minutes to finish. Commissioner Lancaster motioned to continue the meeting
15 minutes, second by Commissioner Lewis — all ayes — motion carried.)
e. Spend Zone Subcommittee (Mr. Lancaster)
Mr. Hood noted that an amended agenda was sent out which included item 5e, School Zone
Subcommittee. Chairman Ballard acknowledged the item and turned the floor over to
Commissioner Lancaster to review item 5e and present the Subcommittee proposal.
Mr. Lancaster reviewed the purpose of this proposed subcommittee and what the duties of the
Transportation Commission are that support his proposal of invoking a Speed Zone
Subcommittee. Mr. Lancaster is proposing that the Speed Zone Subcommittee be operated as a
task force that can meet informally and dig into issues and then present to the Transportation
Commission any recommendations.
The membership of the Subcommittee is proposed of three members from the Transportation
Commission, and one member from each of the following departments/agencies: Meridian
Police, West Ada School District and ACHD. Meeting frequency of the subcommittee would be
quarterly and formed for a specific period of time 1-2 years, but not indefinitely, with further
evaluation at the end of that timeframe.
Next steps would include forming the Subcommittee and scheduled meetings.
Chairman Ballard opened the floor for discussion which took place. A motion by Commissioner
Knezacek to create a School Zone Subcommittee per the proposal by Commissioner Lancaster,
second by Commissioner Lewis - one nay, all others yay - motion carried.
Mr. Hood will reach out to Sgt. Arnold, Mr. Martin and Ms. Carson on representation; Legal on
specifics on meeting format (frequency/scheduling/formalities) and will add this to next month's
agenda for follow-up under old business.
Chairman Ballard closed item 5e.
f. Staff Communications (memo attached; C. Hood)
Mr. Hood gave a brief review of the two communications that were included in the packet. No
discussion was had and the item was closed.
6. Future Meeting Topics
Chairman Ballard asked for any new future meeting topics, or discussion on those presented.
Mr. Hood suggested adding back a previous item of Compression Brakes. Mr. Hood has
reached out to a gentleman to attend the Commission meeting to discuss the need for a City
Ordinance on Compression Brakes. No additional topics were identified.
a. Paramount Subdivision/Deer Crest Drive/Rocky Mountain High School
Parking and Cut -Through Concern
b. Linder Village Project Update
c. Master Mobility Map
d. Comprehensive Plan Update
e. Local jurisdiction on State Highways
f. Compression Brakes
7. Next Meeting Date: August 6"', 2018
Chairman Ballard opened the floor for any discussion; none occurred.
8. Adjourn
A Motion by Commissioner Lerslip- and second by Commissioner McKinney to adjourn - all ayes
- motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m.
(AUDIO RECORDING AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST)
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Carson asked for advice from the Commission on proposed fixes in the area of Rebound High
School. Mr. Lewis provided some suggestions, and Chairman Ballard suggested that Commissioners
Lancaster and Lewis undertake analyzing the issue and come up with some solutions as part of the
speed zone subcommittee proposal discussed early in the meeting. Discussion took place.
Chairman Ballard closed topic 5d and moved onto Future Meeting Topics.
6. Future Meeting Topics
Chairman Ballard asked for any new future meeting topics. The Speed Zone Subcommittee
proposal was identified. No additional topics were identified.
a. Linder Village Project Update
b. Communities in Motion 2040 2.0 (July)
c. Master Mobility Map
d. Comprehensive Plan Update
e. Local Jurisdiction on State Highways
f. Speed Zone Subcommittee (July)
7. Next Meeting Date: Discuss Cancelling June Meeting; July 2, 2018 (Tentative)
Discussion occurred about cancelling the June meeting, and moving the July 2nd meeting to July
91h. Mr. Baird confirmed that Council Chambers are available on July 9`h, until 5pm. A motion by
Commissioner Hopkins was made to cancel the June meeting, move the July 2nd meeting to July
9th and shorten the July 9th meeting from 3:30-5 pm, second by Commissioner Leslie — all ayes
— motion passed. No further discussion was had.
8. Adjourn
A Motion by Commissioner Leslie and second by Commissioner Hopkins to adjourn — all ayes —
motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 4:53 p.m.
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2
4a. Transportation Projects Update
To: Meridian Transportation Commission
From: Caleb Hood, Planning Division Manager
Date: 7/3/2018
Re: July Transportation Projects Update
Below is a summary/update on some of the transportation and roadway projects City Staff
has been involved with recently. This is not an exhaustive list, but rather highlights some of
the more important activities that have recently transpired (or are about to occur) in the
transportation realm. Staff will be at the July Commission meeting to discuss some of these
topics in more detail. Please feel free to contact staff should you have any comments,
concerns, or questions on any of these projects. New information is in bold .
KEY ACHD PROJECTS:
Pine Ave, Meridian to Locust Grove: This project, to improve Pine between Meridian Road
and Locust Grove, is in construction. The City and MDC are partnering with ACHD to
ensure the design and construction of Pine Avenue is consistent with the communities’
needs. Because Meridian Public Works is planning to do sewer improvements in Pine, the
roadway between Main and E. 6 th will be re-built. Establishing a Cost Share Agreement
with ACHD and a project agreement between the City and MDC was approved in
September. Knife River is the contractor. Contract amount is $5.5M. Pine is closed from
Locust Grove to Meridian Road. All of the major pipe is in. Excavation of roadway is
complete and 75% of base gravel is complete. Some of the curb, gutter and sidewalk
is complete on the east end. Working from west to east now. Project should be
complete in September.
E. 3 rd Street Extension: When ACHD adopted the 2014-2018 Integrated Five Year Work
Plan, E. 3 rd Street, from Carlton to Fairview, was listed as a project in the Economic
Development Program. This project was split into two phases by ACHD – north (phase 2)
and south (phase 1) of Carlton. In the adopted ACHD 2018-2022 IFYWP, phase 1,
between Franklin and Carlton, is in PD.
Meridian Road, Cherry to Ustick: Project includes widening Meridian Road to 5 lanes with
curb, gutter, sidewalk and bike lanes. Design is underway. Construction is planned for 2020
3
in the ACHD adopted IFYWP at a cost of $4.3M. Appraisals began in July; right-of-way
acquisition in process.
Linder Road, Franklin to Pine: Project includes the widening of Linder Road to 5 lanes with
curb, gutter, sidewalk and bike lanes. Project includes upgrade of the railroad crossing and
a safe routes to school request; attached sidewalks are being designed. Construction is
planned for 2020 to correspond with the upgraded railroad crossing ITD plans to do that
year. Cost of $1.5M. Project is in right-of-way acquisition phase.
Linder Road, Ustick to McMillan: Widen Linder to 5 lanes with curb, gutter, sidewalk and
bike lanes. Construction is planned for 2021 in IFYWP at a cost of $3.5M. Project is
designed. Public Involvement Meetings (PIM) held on May 1 st and August 31 st . Based on
comments, pedestrian signal at Monument Drive may eventually become full signal. This
project is shown for construction in 2021 in the adopted 2018-2022 IFYWP. ACHD is
looking to advance construction of this project up to 2019.
Linder Road, Cayuse Creek Drive to Chinden: Widen the remaining portions of Linder to 5
lanes with curb, gutter, sidewalk and bike lanes. Construction was planned for 2020 at a
cost of $653,000. Currently in design phase and tracking with Linder, Ustick to McMillan
project. This project has advanced to construction (CN) to 2019 in the adopted 2018-2022
IFYWP.
Ten Mile Road, McMillan to Chinden: Widen Ten Mile to 5 lanes with curb, gutter, sidewalk
and bike lanes. Design will be done with in-house, ACHD resources, beginning in 2018.
Right-of-way acquisition is in 2020 and construction is planned for 2022 in the adopted
2018-2022 IFYWP with a cost of $3.5M. Project kick-off meeting held November 30 th .
ACHD is looking to advance construction of this project up to 2020. Public involvement
meeting #2 scheduled for August 27 th at 6 pm at the Cherry Lane Library.
Ten Mile Road, Ustick to McMillan: Widen Ten Mile to 5 lanes with curb, gutter, sidewalk
and bike lanes. Project includes 2 bridges. Design is in 2018, right-of-way acquisition in
2019, and construction is planned for 2021 in the adopted 2018-2022 IFYWP with a cost of
$5.7M.
Eagle Road, Amity to Victory: Widen to 5 lanes with curb, gutter, sidewalk and bike lanes.
Design will be done with in-house, ACHD resources, beginning in 2018. Construction is
planned for 2020 in the adopted 2018-2022 IFYWP with a cost of $4.5M. Public
involvement meeting held April 19 th at Siena Elementary School.
Eagle Road/Amity Roundabout: ACHD has entered into a Cooperative Development
Agreement (CDA) with Albertsons to reconstruct the Eagle/Amity Roundabout. These
improvements include full improvements, curb, gutter, and sidewalk on their frontages of
both roads in addition in re-building the RAB with two-lanes on each leg. Project is
expected to begin construction this year. NOTE: There is insufficient right-of-way on Amity
west of Eagle to allow the striping of the bike lane on the north side of the road, so it will
only be the two travel lanes westbound, the center turn lane, and one eastbound travel lane
until ACHD can program a project there in the future and widen to the south. The west side
of Eagle Road will be fully improved including the bike lane.
4
Eagle Road, Lake Hazel to Amity: Widen to 5 lanes with curb, gutter, sidewalk and bike
lanes. Design will be done in 2022. Construction is in PD in the adopted 2018-2022 IFYWP
with a cost of $3.4M.
Lake Hazel Road, Eagle to Cloverdale: Widen to 5 lanes with curb, gutter, sidewalk and
bike lanes. Design will be done in 2022. Construction is in PD in the adopted 2018-2022
IFYWP with a total cost of $2.3M.
Locust Grove Road, Victory to Overland: Widen to 5 lanes with curb, gutter, sidewalk and
bike lanes. Design will be done in 2022. Construction is in PD in the adopted 2018-2022
IFYWP with a cost of $4.07M.
Locust Grove Road, Fairview to Ustick: Widen to 5 lanes with curb, gutter, sidewalk and
bike lanes. Design will be done in 2022 ($365K); construction is in PD in the adopted 2018-
2022 IFYWP with a cost of $3.325M ($4M total cost).
Fairview/Locust Grove Signal: Widen intersection to 8 lanes on Fairview and 7 lanes on
Locust Grove, including curb, gutter, sidewalk and bike lanes. Design in 2020, right-of-way
acquisition in 2021, and construction in 2022 in adopted IFYWP with a cost of $6.457M.
Victory/Locust Grove Roundabout: Construct a multi-lane roundabout. Design is in 2019,
right-of-way acquisition in 2020, and construction is planned for 2021 in the adopted 2018-
2022 IFYWP with a cost of $1.25M.
Ten Mile/Amity Intersection: A traffic study was finished by Six Mile Engineering in April.
ACHD is proceeding with design and ROW. Design will take place in FY17/FY18 with
ROW programmed for FY18/19. A dual-lane roundabout will be the ultimate build-out
condition of the intersection. Initially though, a single-lane roundabout will be constructed;
designed for easy expansion to a dual-lane. This project is shown for construction in 2022
in the adopted 2018-2022 IFYWP.
ACHD MAINTENANCE PROJECTS
Cherry Lane, Ten Mile to Linder: Beginning in August (est.) Sunroc will be doing a capital
maintenance project on Cherry Lane, between Ten Mile and Linder. The project should be done
by late summer or early fall.
ITD PROJECTS
SH-55 (Eagle Road): Design work is complete to add an additional northbound and southbound
lane to Eagle Road, between River Valley and I-84. The northbound lane between Franklin and
Fairview was complete earlier this spring. CenterCal plans to construct the additional southbound
lane in 2022 through the STAR program.
US 20/26: A Strategic Initiatives Project to widen Chinden to 4-lanes between Locust Grove
and Eagle is in the ITIP for construction in 2021. ITD and ACHD are coordinating
intersection improvements at Locust Grove/Chinden as well. On September 21st, the ITD
Board approved the FY18-2024 ITIP (this is the first year for a 7-year Program). The ITIP
contains segments of US 20/26, from Eagle Road to Star Road – 7 miles! On October 30th,
5
the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) determined that the US 20/26 EA will have no
significant impact on the human or natural environment (FONSI). This finding allows the
improvements, and mitigation, on the corridor to proceed. A kick-off meeting was held at
ITD District 3 on December 5 th , for the Locust Grove to Eagle segment; Parametrix is doing
the design for ITD. The cities of Eagle, Boise and Meridian all impacted. City, ITD and
ACHD staff are coordinating with a couple of developers on the potential to accelerate
improvements between Locust Grove and SH-16, through a STAR(s) agreement(s).
Interstate 84: This project is for the Nampa segment of the Interstate between Karcher
Underpass and Franklin Boulevard. The project includes replacement and widening of a
canal structure at Mason Creek, replacement and expansion of two bridges that cross over
the UPRR and a canal, widening I-84 to three lanes with an additional auxiliary lane
between Franklin and Northside Boulevards, and improving the two interchanges. This
corridor is listed as the number one priority in the regional long-range transportation plan. In
April, the ITD Board voted to use additional GARVEE bonding authority for this project. A
FY2017-2021 STIP/TIP amendment added $150M to the program for this project.
SH-16: During the December 14 th ITD Board meeting, the Board approved $6M to design
SH-16 between US 20/26 and I-84 in 2018.
PATHWAYS
Rail with Trail: In the fall of 2012, the City applied for an $85,000 grant to study the Rail with
Trail (RWT) pathway crossing of streets (7 crossings; Black Cat to Locust Grove).
Currently, there is $511,000 in PD for pathway construction in the Regional Transportation
Improvement Plan (TIP). This project was recently delayed as there are additional
environmental and right-of-way impacts.
Five Mile Creek Pathway: The City applied for a COMPASS grant to design and construct a
portion of the Five Mile Creek pathway near the wastewater recovery facility. Parametrix
has prepared the project development report which should be available on the COMPASS
website in the near future. This project has advanced from PD to CN in 2022 at a cost of
$395K in the TIP.
MDC / OTHER PROJECTS
Harvest Lifestyle Service: A public transit service focusing on seniors and persons with
disabilities has been operating since December 2016. This Lifestyle Service concept, which
includes two service zones, was presented to the Council in July of 2016. The service is
operated by Harvest Church. An enhancement to the City Budget for FY2019 is being
pursued to add a third Harvest van.
Transit: On April 2, 2018, the Valley Regional Transit (VRT) Board approved the final
version of the ValleyConnect 2.0 plan, VRT’s six-year capital and service plan.
ValleyConnect 2.0 will guide future VRT activities and be used to help coordinate VRT
activities, funding as well as with community stakeholders. Rhonda Jalbert with VRT will
be at the July 9 th Commission meeting to provide a more detailed update (see
agenda item 5d.)
6
Eagle Road Signal Equipment Upgrades: In 2018, ITD plans to install upgraded signal
controllers and radar detection at intersections along the corridor. ACHD has Signal
Performance Measure software that provides a visual display of traffic data to aid in signal
timing and maintenance. This is a $463,000 project.
Eagle Road Bike/Ped Project Development: COMPASS has contracted with Keller
Associates to further develop a bicycle and pedestrian plan for the corridor. The boundaries
of the project are Overland and Chinden. Reports for the four highest ranking segments
have been completed. In the 2018-2022 TIP there is $700K programmed in PD for CN of
the first segment, Franklin to Pine.
Idaho Avenue, Main to 2 nd : The MDBA is discussing with ACHD, the City and MDC
converting the parallel parking on the north side of Idaho Avenue, between Main and
2nd Street, to angle parking. ACHD recently completed a fog-seal project in this
block.
7
5c. Communities in Motion 2040 2.0 Update
To: Meridian Transportation Commission
From: Caleb Hood, Planning Division Manager
Date: 7/2/2018
Re: CIM 2040 2.0
The Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho (COMPASS) develops, or
updates, a regional long-range transportation plan — Communities in Motion — for Ada
and Canyon Counties every four years. These plans look 20+ years into the future to help
ensure our roads, bridges, and transportation services (buses, etc.) are ready by helping
prioritize projects based on public input and how the region is likely to grow.
The current plan, Communities in Motion 2040 (CIM 2040) , was adopted in July 2014.
This plan is being updated; the update — CIM 2040 2.0 — is expected to be adopted by
the COMPASS Board in December 2018.
During the July 9 th Transportation Commission (TC) meeting, the Commission will hear an
update on 2.0 from Liisa Itkonen the project manager at COMPASS. For additional
information on the long-range transportation plan, go here:
http://www.compassidaho.org/prodserv/cim2040_2.0.htm
8
5d. ValleyConnect 2.0 Update
To: Meridian Transportation Commission
From: Caleb Hood, Planning Division Manager
Date: 7/2/2018
Re: ValleyConnect 2.0
On April 2, 2018, the Valley Regional Transit (VRT) Board approved the final version of the
ValleyConnect 2.0 plan, VRT’s six-year capital and service plan. ValleyConnect 2.0 will
guide future VRT activities and be used to help coordinate VRT activities, funding as well
as with community stakeholders. The Commission’s very own, Rhonda Jalbert will provide
additional details during the July meeting.
9
5e. Staff Communications
To: Meridian Transportation Commission
From: Caleb Hood, Planning Division Manager
Date: 7/3/2018
Re: Staff Communications
On the following pages are relevant correspondences since the May meeting.
From: Mark Wasdahl [ mailto:Mark.Wasdahl@itd.idaho.gov ]
Sent: Friday, June 29, 2018 12:56 PM
To: Caleb Hood < chood@meridiancity.org >
Subject: Meridian Transportation Commission
With Erika departing the local area, I will be the ITD representative for Meridian
Transportation Commission meetings.
Mark Wasdahl
Senior Planner
Idaho Transportation Department - District 3
Office: (208) 334-8344 Fax: (208) 334-8917
Email: mark.wasdahl@itd.idaho.gov
Mayor de Weerd and all,
Ann Marie Baird (Brighton rep) and I met with Ms. Seda yesterday afternoon on site for about an hour or
so. I again explained the process for traffic calming and that while it was very likely that they would meet
the speed or volume criteria, it was unlikely that they would meet the cut through criteria. I went through
the various scenarios and I believe that she understands all of them.
ACHD has installed a 25 MPH speed limit sign on Deer Crest east of Linder and it is in clear view. She would
like another sign in the vicinity of her home. I explained that we will evaluate the data (which is currently
being collected) before making this decision. We also discussed pedestrian crosswalks, raised pavement
markers, school zone signage, No Parking signs, neighborhood trash, rude teenagers and their parents and
stop signs.
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As soon as the data is collected, I will evaluate it and send it to MPD, Caleb and the applicant. We are
working on the parking issues and I hope to brief Caleb early next week on our approach.
Subject to any questions, that completes my report.
Respectfully,
John D. Wasson
John D. Wasson
Assistant Traffic Engineer
Ada County Highway District
(208) 387-6151
(208) 387-6391
jwasson@achdidaho.org
From: Robert Simison [ mailto:rsimison@meridiancity.org ]
Sent: Thursday, May 10, 2018 5:39 PM
To: John Wasson; Tammy de Weerd
Cc: Bruce Wong; Caleb Hood
Subject: RE: study/traffic count Laughton Dr/Arliss/Deer Crest (Apologize if you receive several copies-
technical diff.)
John,
Thank you for the update. The Mayor spoke with Caleb last night at our town hall (which coincidently led to
traffic concerns/comments from many residents on the other side of the Paramount subdivision due to the
apartments going in on Meridian/McMillan), and asked him to bring this issue to the Transportation
Commission as well for discussion. I will let you coordinate with him (and he can coordinate with Ms. Seda)
on what/when that looks like as you are well underway on this item.
Robert Simison | Chief of Staff
City of Meridian | Mayor’s Office
All e-mail messages sent to or received by City of Meridian e-mail accounts are subject to the Idaho law,
in regards to both release and retention, and may be released upon request, unless exempt from disclosure by law.
From: John Wasson [ mailto:jwasson@achdidaho.org ]
Sent: Friday, May 04, 2018 1:40 PM
To: Tammy de Weerd < tdeweerd@meridiancity.org >; Robert Simison < rsimison@meridiancity.org >
Cc: Bruce Wong < bwong@achdidaho.org >
Subject: RE: study/traffic count Laughton Dr/Arliss/Deer Crest (Apologize if you receive several copies-
technical diff.)
Mayor de Weerd,
I have been working with LT Colaianni and SGT Arnold in the Police Department regarding this investigation
for several months. As always, MPD is great to work with.
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ACHD did not conduct traffic counts between 18 Dec 2017 – 23 Jan 2018 because of the holiday
season. ACHD also does not do speed studies in bad weather such as snow, periods of days when rain is
predicted or fog, because all of those weathers influence the speeds at which drivers operate. I have waited
until this time to optimize the speeds of vehicles on Laughton. I will put forth to her the option to do the
speed study now or to wait until early/mid fall to do it and allow her to make that decision if you would like
me to.
I remain fairly confident that Laughton will meet the minimum of 400 vehicles per day required for a street
to be evaluated. I also believe that it will meet, or be very close to meet the 100 vehicles in the peak hour
needed to meet the volume criteria for traffic calming. By doing the study in May, there is a greater chance
that speeds will be higher that they would have been in February or March when it was darker in the
morning. All that being said, if Ms. Seda meets the speed or volume criteria to make Laughton eligible for
speed humps, she will still have to circulate a petition that ACHD will provide her. Once the petition process
is complete, ACHD will conduct a cut through study. The cut through study will determine the amount of
traffic using Laughton to travel between Linder Road and either McMillan, Meridian or Fox
Run/Valentino. These are the collector/arterials in the area that have the opportunity to allow traffic to
travel from them to Linder using Laughton. Traffic dropping students off at the pathway access point and
then continuing out to Linder or back into the neighborhood would not be considered to be cut through
vehicles because they had a destination within the neighborhood. Based upon my experience, Laughton is
unlikely meet the cut through criteria and would thus be required to pay for the initial installation of speed
humps – after which ACHD would assume maintenance responsibility for the new speed humps. ACHD
would do the engineering, inspection of the hump construction, striping the humps and installing all
necessary signage at no cost to the neighborhood
I have personally conducted a number of observations in the AM drop-off, the lunch time and the PM pick-
up, I and will continue to conduct several more. Yes, it is chaos, but it is controlled chaos. There are a lot of
students that use the walkway into the school. They cross the intersection of Arliss/Laughton at many
different locations, but almost none (that I have seen) walk from the pathway directly across the street into
her driveway and them onto the sidewalk. Students and vehicles seem to have learned how to operate
together at this location. Sometimes the students stop for the vehicles, but far more often the vehicles yield
to the students. Students walk on the grass of several of the neighbors. We do not see installing a
crosswalk changing that behavior, nor do we see a good location to install a crosswalk.
I will be meeting with the neighborhood management (Brighton) to look at extending the ‘No Parking’ zone
next Wednesday. The initial limits for the ‘No Parking’ signs were set by Brighton based upon input from the
residents. Based upon conversations and input with MPD, we would not want enclave parking, where one
or two homes on a block are allowed to park in front of their homes and the rest of the street is designated
‘No Parking’ between certain times.
As you are will aware of, the limited time ‘No Parking’ signs have worked well at other locations, including
Mountain View High School. There is no reason to believe that they would not be just as effective in this
neighborhood. Once MPD issued the first batch or two of parking citations, the word got around to the
students who looked for other locations to park at. As for posting for ‘Tow Away’, that would be a decision
that we would be asked to be made using extreme caution. First, it takes an officer away from their normal
duties for an extended amount of time. Secondly, it is applicable to the residents as well as the students.
Finally, Rocky Mountain was well established before this subdivision was constructed. As an enhancement
to the neighborhood to encourage walkability, the City required the pathway to be constructed – this would
allow neighborhood student to not have to drive to the school and thus reduce the number of vehicles on
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Linder and in the Rocky Mountain HS parking lot. Her home was also one of the last homes in her phase of
construction, so the pathway had already been constructed and was being used by students.
Subject to any questions you may have, this completes my response.
Respectfully,
John D. Wasson
John D. Wasson
Assistant Traffic Engineer
Ada County Highway District
(208) 387-6151
(208) 387-6391
jwasson@achdidaho.org
From: Tammy de Weerd [ mailto:tdeweerd@meridiancity.org ]
Sent: Thursday, May 03, 2018 7:58 PM
To: Robert Simison
Cc: John Wasson
Subject: Re: study/traffic count Laughton Dr/Arliss/Deer Crest (Apologize if you receive several copies-
technical diff.)
This is something Ken would have rode herd on. Who does it belong to in the city side -
police, planning, community liaison? What have we done on our end?
Do you know if this has been heard by the transportation commission? Has there been in a
meeting on our side and are there any recommendations? Do we need to pull a meeting
together?
Mayor Tammy
City of Meridian
On May 3, 2018, at 7:04 PM, je seda < jeseda53@gmail.com > wrote:
Mr. Wasson:
Thank you for taking the time to reply so that the homeowners affiliated with these issues
are being kept abreast. Unfortunately, since you mentioned (in your email of 4/18/18) that
final report would be out for presentation early May, we assumed the counters on Deer
Crest were related. Sorry.
We do have concern with such a late start on placement of the counters. The traffic
congestion/student safety issues on Arliss, Deer Crest and Laughton Dr. were heavier
throughout the fall and winter seasons, when more people were being transported
secondary to weather. With the good weather we're currently having, traffic count is down,
more kids are walking, thus, the true picture of the reality regarding these 3 streets, will be
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distorted. The count may be below what is required in order for the city to put in speed
humps, thus placing the cost burden on the HOA/neighborhood. First reporting of these
issues started in Feb of this year and school will be out in a few weeks, with a critical
portion of your study still needing to be done (traffic counting); not forgetting that your
department is inundated with many other requests secondary to the rapid growth of the
Meridian area. We do hope that the aforementioned reality of facts will be considered in the
final formula/report.
What we're currently witnessing within the immediate area, is the parking abuse of students
(not from the paramount subdivision) throughout the adjacent neighborhood. The group
cleverly move from street to street, thus hoping to avoid the detection by homeowners and
the patrol of the RM High School traffic controller (title?). Proper, No Parking signage would
help but without "teeth", such as towing/ticketing, don't know if parking signage will really
make a difference. We see parents/kids park in front of our homes to pick up students daily,
while being visually aware of the no parking signs in those areas. As stated before, can't
keep calling the police who have better things to do and can't show up at a moments notice
when infractions are being done. Homeowners/HOA need more clout in order to get the
point across and stop the abuses.
I have attached a prior movie of students (even though brief) walking across Laughton Dr.
from the school pathway, in between cars etc. You mentioned that you didn't feel kids
would use a crosswalk? I respectfully disagree. If you will notice in this video, students
typically walk directly across the street from the pathway, which is across my lawn (no curb
cutout) onto the sidewalk; its also the shorter route for those going to lunch. The students'
path of choice, is on streets with blind spots for drivers, as well as no speed signs or tools
to slow traffic; thus making passage for the students dangerous. If the proper tools
(crosswalk/curb cutout) were in place, such as at the elementary school in the paramount
neighborhood, they would be used. I would also think that legally, the city would be
protecting itself if in case a student walking across the street was injured while in a
crosswalk vs walking across a street from a school without safety features to protect them.
The pedestrians are 99.9% students; traveling to/from school. The pathway created this
issue and won't be resolved/fixed until the proper measures are put in place. The
elementary school in the paramount subdivision has set the standard for safety measures;
none of which we see adjacent to the school walkway abutting Laughton Dr/Arliss.
Thank you again for your time and efforts. We do appreciate your understanding and look
forward to resolving these issues.
Sincerely
Joan Seda
jeseda53@gmail.com
PS----could not attach video as return email states file too large to transfer to some
accounts. Sorry.