HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-28 ACHD Staff Report
Date: March 28, 2024
To: Kent Mussell, Mussell Construction
Staff Contact: Mindy Wallace, Planning Review Supervisor
Project Description: This is an annexation and conditional use permit application to
allow for the development of an 8,000 square foot public charter school.
Trip Generation: This site is proposed to generate 214 new vehicle trips per day
based on the school site checklist.
Proposed Development
Meets
All ACHD Policies
Requires Revisions to meet
ACHD Policies
X
Traffic Impact Study
Yes X
No
If yes, is mitigation
required
NO
ACHD Planned
Improvements
IFYWP X
CIP X
Livable Street
Performance Measures
Pedestrian LTS 1
Cyclist LTS 3
Is Transit Available?
Yes
No X
Comments:
Area Roadway Level of
Service
Do area roadways meet
ACHD’s LOS Planning
Thresholds?
Yes X
No X
Area roads will meet ACHD’s
LOS Planning Thresholds in
the future with planned
improvements?
Yes X
No
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Development Services Department
Project/File: Pathways in Education Charter School / MER24-0034/ City File Number
This is an annexation and conditional use permit application to allow for the
development of an 8,000 square foot public charter school.
Lead Agency: City of Meridian
Site address: 965 E Ustick Road
Staff Approval: XXXX, 202X
Applicant: Kent Mussell
Mussell Construction
kent@mussellconstruction.com
Representative: Same as above
Staff Contact: Mindy Wallace, AICP
Phone: 387-6178
E-mail: mwallace@achdidaho.org
Report Summary:
ACHD Planned Improvements – pg 2
1. Conditions of Area Roadways – pg 2
A. Site Specific Conditions of Approval – pg 3
o Vicinity Map – pg 4
o Site Plan – pg 5
B. Traffic Impact Study Findings – pg 6
C. Findings – pg 10
o Special Recommendation to the City of Meridian – pg 10
D. Policies – pg 12
E. Attachments – pg 17
F. Standard Conditions of Approval – pg 14
G. Appeal Guidelines – pg 16
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ACHD Planned Improvements
1. Capital Improvements Plan (CIP)/ Integrated Five Year Work Plan (IFYWP):
Locust Grove Road is scheduled in the IFYWP to be widened to 5-lanes from Fairview Avenue
to Ustick Road with design scheduled for 2028-2029 with construction in the future.
Locust Grove Road is scheduled in the IFYWP to be widened to 3-lanes from Ustick Road to
McMillan Road with design scheduled for 2028-2029 with construction in the future.
Meridian Road is scheduled in the IFYWP to be widened to 3-lanes from Ustick Road to
McMillan Road with design scheduled for 2028-2029 with construction in the future.
The intersection of Locust Grove Road and Ustick Road is listed in the CIP to be widened to
7-lanes on the north leg, 6-lanes on the south, 6-lanes east, and 6-lanes on the west leg, and
signalized between 2026 and 2027.
2. Condition of Area Roadways
Traffic Count is based on Vehicles per hour (VPH)
* Acceptable level of service for a five-lane principal arterial is “E” (1,780 VPH).
* Acceptable level of service for a two-lane minor arterial is “E” (575 VPH).
3. Average Daily Traffic Count (VDT)
Average daily traffic counts are based on ACHD’s most current traffic counts.
The average daily traffic count for Ustick Road east of Meridian Road was 22,653 on 10/22/21.
The average daily traffic count for Locust Grove Road south of Ustick Road was 20,547 on
5/4/23.
The average daily traffic count for Meridian Road north of Ustick Road was 12,730 on
10/28/21.
Roadway Frontage Functional
Classification
PM Peak Hour
Traffic Count
PM Peak Hour
Level of Service
Ustick Road 190-feet Principal
Arterial 1,109 Better than “E”
Locust Grove Road N/A Minor Arterial 992 Exceeds “E”
Meridian Road N/A Minor Arterial 517 Exceeds “E”
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A. Site Specific Conditions of Approval
1. Correct deficiencies or replace deteriorated transportation facilities on Ustick Road abutting the site
consistent with the current version of PROWAG.
2. Close the 2 existing driveways on Ustick Road located 23 and 70-feet east of the west property line
with vertical curb, gutter, and 7-foot wide attached concrete sidewalk to match the improvements
on either side.
3. Construct 2 paved curb return type driveways onto Ustick Road located 70-feet east of the west
property line and at the east property line as proposed. These driveways are restricted to a
maximum width of 24-feet and may be restricted in the future as traffic conditions warrant as
determined by ACHD.
4. Sign the east driveway as “ENTER ONLY” and the west driveway for “EXIT ONLY”. Coordinate a
signage program with Development review staff.
5. If there are changes to the proposed operation of Pathways in Education Charter School that
necessitate the need for or requests for additional pedestrian facilities, signage, or roadway striping
or markings, then Pathways in Education/MMW & T LLC, shall be responsible for all costs
associated with the design, hardware, and construction of any additional pedestrian facilities,
signage, striping, or pavement markings needed to accommodate future pedestrian needs of the
school. This includes PHB signals or RRFBs.
6. Submit civil plans to ACHD Development Services for review and approval. The impact fee
assessment will not be released until the civil plans are approved by ACHD.
7. There will be an impact fee that is assessed and due prior to issuance of any building permits. The
assessed impact fee will be based on the impact fee ordinance that is in effect at that time. The
impact fee assessment will not be released until the civil plans are approved by ACHD.
8. Comply with all Standard Conditions of Approval.
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Vicinity Map
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Site Plan
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B. Traffic Impact Study – Summary and Findings
1. Traffic Impact Study
TJW Engineering prepared a school site checklist, and Kittelson & Associates prepared a queuing
analysis for the proposed Pathways in Education Charter School (PIE) located at 965 E Ustick Road
in Meridian. A summary of the finding and staff comments and recommendations on the submitted
school site checklist can be found below.
a. Policy:
Mitigation Proposals: Mitigation recommendations shall be provided within the report. At a
minimum, for each roadway segment and intersection that does not meet the minimum
acceptable level of service planning threshold or v/c ratio, the report must discuss feasible
measures to avoid or reduce the impact to the system. To be considered adequate, measures
should be specific and feasible. Mitigation may also include:
Revision to the Phasing Plan to coincide with the District’s planning Capital Projects.
Reducing the scope and/or scale of the project.
Alternative Mitigation Measures: 7106.7.3 states that if traditional mitigation measures such
as roadway widening and intersection improvements are infeasible as determined by ACHD,
the TIS may recommend alternative mitigation measures. Alternative mitigation measures shall
demonstrate that impacts from the project will be offset.
If the impacted roadway segments and/or intersections are programmed as funded in
the Integrated Five Year Work Plan (IFYWP) or the Capital Improvements Plan (CIP);
no alternative mitigation is required.
If the impacted roadway segments and/or intersections are not programmed in either
the IFYWP or the CIP; the applicant may (i) analyze the shoulder hour, defined as the
hour prior to after the determined peak hour within the two-hour peak period, (sometime
analyzed as hour before or after peak period) and (ii) provide a safety analysis to
determine alternative mitigation requirements.
o If the impacted roadway segments and intersections meet the minimum acceptable
level of service planning thresholds in the shoulder hour, the applicant may suggest
feasible alternative mitigation measures beyond improvements from District policy,
such as: off-site sidewalks, off-site bike facilities, connectivity, safety improvements,
etc. within 1.5 miles of the proposed development.
o If the shoulder hour planning thresholds are exceeded the applicant may request to
enter into a Development Agreement and pay into the Priority Corridor Fund an
amount determined by the ACHD to offset impacts from the project.
Alternative Mitigation may also include:
o Revision to the Phasing Plan to coincide with the District’s future Capital Projects.
o Reducing the scope and/or scale of the project.
Level of Service Planning Thresholds: District Policy 7205.3.1 states that Level of Service
Planning Thresholds have been established for principal arterials and minor arterials within
ACHD’s Capital Improvement Plan and are also listed in section 7106. Unless otherwise
required to provide a Traffic Impact Study under section 7106, a proposed development with
site traffic less than 10% of the existing downstream roadway or intersection peak hour traffic
shall not be required to provide mitigation for a roadway or intersection that currently exceeds
the minimum acceptable level of service planning threshold or V/C ratio.
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b. TIS Findings: Staff has reviewed the submitted traffic impact study (TIS)
The queuing analysis notes that Pathways in Education Charter School (PIE) provides
supplemental tutoring/testing sessions to homeschooled children 2 days a week. PIE is open
4 days per week, Monday – Thursday and sees students in 2 hour appointments throughout
the day at 8:00am, 10:00am, and 1:00pm and students may not attend the entire session. At
full capacity the school is anticipated to serve 240 students with a maximum of 40 students
present at any given session.
The checklist notes that no school buses will be used to transport students to the school and
the students are anticipated to arrive at the school via parent drop-off/pick-up, self-drive, or an
alternative mode of transportation (walk or biking).
The checklist did not include a pedestrian plan; it just noted that pedestrian activity to and
from the school is anticipated to be minimal.
No school zoning signage or flashing beacons were recommended in the checklist and are not
recommended by ACHD at this time due to the operations of the school and because there is
a PHB located ¼ mile west of the site at the Ustick Road/Arrowwood Way intersection and ¼
to the east is the signalized intersection of Ustick Road/Locust Grove Road providing two
locations for pedestrians to cross Ustick Road.
The school is proposed to be accessed via an enter only driveway on Ustick Road located at
the site’s east property line and an exit only driveway at the site’s west property line. These
two driveways are proposed to create a one-way westbound loop for parent drop-off and pick-
up. The drop-off and pick-up loop is proposed to provide a 300-foot long queuing area
accommodating 15 cars and an 80-foot long student drop-off/pick-up area accommodating 4
cars. Totaling 380-feet of vehicle queueing accommodating 19 cars.
The queuing analysis also notes that 20 students are anticipated to be dropped off and picked
up for any given tutoring/testing session and the analysis estimates maximum queue of 5
vehicles beyond the drop-off/pick-up area during the overlap time when students from one
session are leaving and those for the next session arrive, which can be accommodated on-
site and are not anticipated to impact Ustick Road.
In addition to the 20 students that are anticipated to arrive via parent drop-off/pick-up 16
students are anticipated to self-drive. The City of Meridian provided a revised site plan on
February 23, 2024. The revised site plan included parking lot modifications which increase
the total on-site parking to 38 stalls while still maintaining the one-way parent drop-off/pick-up
loop.
c. Staff Comments/Recommendations: Staff comments are provided by District Traffic Services
and Development Review staff.
As noted above ACHD is not recommending the installation of school zone signage or flashing
beacons on Ustick Road as this time. This is due to the school operating as a tutoring/testing
center with students arriving and leaving multiple times a day, most students are anticipated to
arrive via parent pick-up/drop-off or self-drive, Ustick Road is fully improvement, and there are
2 enhanced pedestrian crossing located a ¼ mile east and west of the site.
Because a pedestrian plan was not provided, the City of Meridian should require the applicant
to install a 5-foot wide concrete sidewalk adjacent to the building in all parking lot areas.
Additionally, the applicant should work with the City of Meridian to provide a defined
striped/signed pedestrian crossing location within the parking lot to clearly define where self-
drive students will cross the student drop-off/pick-up loop to access the school. The intent of
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this is for drivers to know that pedestrians will be crossing in a specific location and to provide
students with a crossing location where pedestrians are anticipated for drivers creating a safer
parking lot environment.
The queuing analysis shows that all vehicle queuing for parent drop-off/pick-up can be
accommodated on-site without any impacts to Ustick Road (stacking of vehicles waiting to enter
the site). However, the parking lot is designed such that vehicles will back directly into the
parent drop-off/pick-up loop. This may lead to impacts to Ustick Road as parents in the drop-
off/pick-up loop have to wait for vehicles to back into and out of parking stalls. To help prevent
this and to reduce the potential impacts to Ustick Road, it is recommended that the City of
Meridian restrict all of the parking adjacent to the student drop-off zone to teacher or staff
parking only to prevent the backing into the student drop-off zone during drop-off and pick-up
as shown below.
Recommended teacher/staff parking only =
If there are changes to the proposed operation of Pathways in Education Charter School that
necessitate the need for or requests for additional pedestrian facilities, signage, or roadway
striping or markings, then Pathways in Education/MMW & T LLC, shall be responsible for all
costs associated with the design, hardware, and construction of any additional pedestrian
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facilities, signage, striping, or pavement markings needed to accommodate future pedestrian
needs of the school. This includes PHB signals or RRFBs.
If the school does create impacts to Ustick Road or any other area public street such as queuing,
unsafe turning movements, an accident history, or parking then the City of Meridian may need
to modify the conditional use permit to reduce the number or students attending each session
or to modify the school hours of operation to eliminate the parent drop-off/pick-up overlap.
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C. Findings for Consideration
1. Special Recommendation to the City of Meridian
Based on the findings of the traffic impact study and queuing analysis, that the City of Meridian
require the following:
Install a 5-foot wide concrete sidewalk adjacent to the building in all parking lot areas.
Provide a defined striped/signed pedestrian crossing location within the parking lot to
clearly define where pedestrians are to cross the student drop-off/pick-up loop to access
the school.
Restrict all of the parking adjacent to the student drop-off zone to teacher or staff parking
only, as shown on page 8 above.
2. Ustick Road
a. Existing Conditions: Ustick Road is improved with 5-travel lanes, on-street bike lanes, vertical
curb, gutter, and 7-foot wide attached concrete sidewalk. There is 92-feet of right-of-way for
Ustick Road (47-feet from centerline).
b. Applicant Proposal: The applicant has proposed any improvements to Ustick Road abutting
the site.
c. Staff Comments/Recommendations: Ustick Road is fully improved consistent with the MSM,
therefore no additional improvements or right-of-way dedication should be required as part of
this application.
The applicant should be required to correct deficiencies or replace deteriorated transportation
facilities on Ustick Road abutting the site consistent with the current version of PROWAG.
3. Driveways
3.1 Ustick Road
a. Existing Conditions: There are 2 existing driveways onto Ustick Road. One 20-foot wide
driveway located at the west property line and one 20-foot wide driveway located 70-feet east
of the west property line. Measured centerline to centerline.
b. Applicant’s Proposal: The applicant has proposed to close the existing driveway located at
the west property line and to reconstruct the existing driveway located 70-feet east if the west
property line to 20-feet. This driveway is proposed to be restricted to “EXIT” only.
The applicant is proposing to construct a 20-foot wide “ENTER” only driveway onto Ustick Road
located at the west property line.
c. Staff Comments/Recommendations: The applicant's proposal does not meet District Access
Management or Successive Driveway policies, however staff recommends a modification of
policy to allow the driveways to be located as proposed due to the fact that 2 driveways are
needed to serve the site to ensure that there is enough onsite queuing to accommodate the
school drop-off/pick-up and the driveways will be restricted to enter and exit only. Additionally,
the need for 2 driveways was demonstrated though the school site checklist and queuing
analysis.
The applicant should be required to close the existing driveways with the construction of vertical
curb, gutter, and 7-foot wide attached concrete sidewalk to match the improvements on either
side.
The new driveways should be constructed as paved curb return type driveways and are
restricted to a maximum width of 24-feet. The applicant should be required to install “ENTER
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ONLY” signage at the east driveway and “EXIT ONLY" signage at the west driveway. These
driveways may be further restricted in the future as traffic conditions warrant as determined by
ACHD.
4. Other Access
Ustick Road is classified as a principal arterial roadway. Other than the access specifically approved
with this application, direct lot access is prohibited to this roadway.
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D. Policy
1. Federal Accessibility Design Guidelines and Standards
District policy 7203.1.1 states that developers shall follow the current version of the U.S. Access
Board’s Accessibility Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities in the Public Right-of-Way (PROWAG), 36
CFR Part 1190, September 7, 2023; (Also see, https//www.access-board.gov/prowag and
https//www.access-board.gov/files/prowag/planning-and-design-for-alternatives.pdf for additional
information).
2. Minor Improvements
Minor Improvements Policy: District Policy 7203.3 states that minor improvements to existing
Highways adjacent to a proposed development may be required. These needed transportation
facilities are to correct deficiencies or replace deteriorated facilities. Included are sidewalk and/or
bike lane construction or replacement (with physical buffers if missing and needed); construction of
transitional sidewalk segments; crosswalk construction or replacement; curb and gutter
construction or replacement; repair, replacement or expansion of curb extensions; replacement of
unused driveways with curb, gutter, sidewalk, repair or addition of traffic calming or speed mitigation
features; installation or reconstruction of pedestrian ramps; pavement repairs; signs, motor vehicle,
pedestrian and bicycle traffic control devices; and other similar items. The current version of
PROWAG will determine the applicable accessibility requirements for alterations and elements
added to existing streets. ACHD staff is responsible for identifying the minor improvements that
would be proportionate to the size and complexity of the development.
3. Livable Street Performance Measures
District policy 7203.8 states that ACHD has adopted performance measures (level of stress) for
evaluating the experience of bicyclists and pedestrians. ACHD seeks to create a transportation
network that serves all ages and abilities. Bike and pedestrian facilities built through development
should achieve a bike and pedestrian level of traffic stress 1 or 2, with no new bike lane below a
minimum of 5-feet.
4. Ustick Road
Arterial Roadway Policy: District Policy 7205.2.1 states that the developer is responsible for
improving all street frontages adjacent to the site regardless of whether or not access is taken to all
of the adjacent streets. Improvements shall include transitional segments in accordance with the
current version of PROWAG.
Master Street Map and Typology Policy: District Policy 7205.5 states that the design of
improvements for arterials shall be in accordance with District standards, including the Master
Street Map, Livable Streets Design Guide, and the most current ACHD Livable Streets Performance
Measures Plan as adopted by the ACHD Commission. The developer or engineer should contact
the District before starting any design.
Street Section and Right-of-Way Width Policy: District Policies 7205.2.1 & 7205.5.2 state The
standard 5-lane street section shall be 59-feet (back-of-curb to back-of-curb). This width typically
accommodates two travel lanes in each direction, a continuous center left-turn lane or landscaped
median with intermittent turn lanes, and curbs and gutters. A 5-lane road shall also include a
minimum 10-foot wide multi-use path on both sides with an 8-foot wide buffer from back-of-curb.
Other bike facility treatments as defined in the ACHD Bike Master Plan may be approved at the
discretion of the ACHD Development Review Supervisor. If an interim on-street bike lane is required
in order to connect to existing facilities, the street section shall be 75-feet to allow for a 5-foot wide
bike lane and 3-foot wide painted buffer. The standard right-of-way width for a 5-lane arterial is 100-
feet.
Right-of-Way Dedication: District Policy 7205.2 states that The District will provide compensation
for additional right-of-way dedicated beyond the existing right-of-way along arterials listed as impact
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fee eligible in the adopted Capital Improvements Plan using available impact fee revenue in the
Impact Fee Service Area.
No compensation will be provided for right-of-way on an arterial that is not listed as impact fee
eligible in the Capital Improvements Plan.
The District may acquire additional right-of-way beyond the site-related needs to preserve a corridor
for future capacity improvements, as provided in Section 7300.
Pedestrian Facilities: District Policy 7205.5.7 requires a concrete sidewalk at least 5-feet wide are
required on both sides of all arterial streets. A parkway strip at least 8-feet wide between the back-
of-curb and street edge of the sidewalk is required to provide increased safety and protection of
pedestrians. Alternatively, on roadways identified for improvement in the Capital Improvement Plan,
a minimum 10-foot wide multi-use path may be required. The path shall be placed in accordance
with planned buildout in the Master Street Map with a minimum 8-foot wide planter strip as
measured to the closest edge of the path. Street trees are encouraged between the pedestrian
facility and the roadway when irrigation and maintenance will occur by the adjacent property owner
or HOA through an approved license agreement. Consult the District’s planter width policy if trees
are to be placed within the parkway strip. In some instances, to match existing conditions, a
minimum 7-foot wide sidewalk may be constructed next to the back-of-curb. ACHD Development
Review staff will be responsible for determining the required facility. Vertical hardscape alternatives
to street trees may be considered in the buffer space when street trees are not practicable.
Detached sidewalks and multi-use paths are encouraged and should be parallel to the adjacent
roadway. Pedestrian facilities will only be allowed to deviate from a straight line parallel to the
roadway when authorized by Development Review staff to accommodate site specific conditions
(i.e., street trees, utilities, etc.).
Appropriate easements shall be provided if public pedestrian facilities are placed out of the right-of-
way. The easement shall encompass the entire area between the right-of-way line and 2-feet behind
the back edge of the pedestrian facility. Pedestrian facilities shall either be located wholly within the
public right-of-way or wholly within an easement.
Curb ramps or blended transitions shall be provided to connect the pedestrian access route at each
pedestrian street crossing in accordance with the current version of PROWAG. Provide detectable
warning surface in accordance with the current version of PROWAG.
ACHD Master Street Map: ACHD Policy Section 3111.1 requires the Master Street Map (MSM)
guide the right-of-way acquisition, arterial street requirements, and specific roadway features
required through development. This segment of Ustick Road is designated in the MSM as a
Residential Arterial with 5-lanes and on-street bike lanes, a 72-foot street section within 100-feet of
right-of-way.
5. Driveways
5.1 Ustick Road
Access Points Policy: District Policy 7205.4.1 states that all access points associated with
development applications shall be determined in accordance with the policies in this section and
Section 7202. Access points shall be reviewed only for a development application that is being
considered by the lead land use agency. Approved access points may be relocated and/or
restricted in the future if the land use intensifies, changes, or the property redevelops.
Access Policy: District policy 7205.4.7 states that direct access to principal arterials is typically
prohibited. If a property has frontage on more than one street, access shall be taken from the street
having the lesser functional classification. If it is necessary to take access to the higher classified
street due to a lack of frontage, the minimum allowable spacing shall be based on Table 1b under
District policy 7205.4.7, unless a waiver for the access point has been approved by the District
Commission. Driveways, when approved on a principal arterial shall operate as a right-in/right-out
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only, and the District will require the construction of a raised median to restrict the left turning
movements.
Driveway Location Policy: District policy 7205.4.7 requires driveways located on principal arterial
roadways to be located a minimum of 355-feet from the nearest intersection for a right-in/right-out
only driveway. Full-access driveways are not allowed on principal arterial roadways.
Successive Driveways: District policy 7205.4.7 Table 1b, requires driveways located on principal
arterial roadways with a speed limit of 35 MPH to align or offset a minimum of 355-feet from any
existing or proposed driveway.
Driveway Width Policy: District policy 7205.4.8 restricts high-volume driveways (100 VTD or
more) to a maximum width of 36-feet and low-volume driveways (less than 100 VTD) to a maximum
width of 30-feet. Curb return type driveways with 30-foot radii will be required for high-volume
driveways with 100 VTD or more. Curb return type driveways with 15-foot radii will be required for
low-volume driveways with less than 100 VTD.
Driveway Paving Policy: Graveled driveways abutting public streets create maintenance
problems due to gravel being tracked onto the roadway. In accordance with District policy,
7205.4.8, the applicant should be required to pave the driveway its full width and at least 30-feet
into the site beyond the edge of pavement of the roadway and install pavement tapers in accordance
with Table 2 under District Policy 7205.4.8.
6. Tree Planters
Tree Planter Policy: Tree Planter Policy: The District’s Tree Planter Policy prohibits all trees in
planters less than 8-feet in width without the installation of root barriers. Class II trees may be
allowed in planters with a minimum width of 8-feet, and Class I and Class III trees may be allowed
in planters with a minimum width of 10-feet.
7. Landscaping
Landscaping Policy: A license agreement is required for all landscaping proposed within ACHD
right-of-way or easement areas. Trees shall be located no closer than 10-feet from all public storm
drain facilities. Landscaping should be designed to eliminate site obstructions in the vision triangle
at intersections. District Policy 5104.3.1 requires a 40-foot vision triangle and a 3-foot height
restriction on all landscaping located at an uncontrolled intersection and a 50-foot offset from stop
signs. Landscape plans are required with the submittal of civil plans and must meet all District
requirements prior to signature of the final plat and/or approval of the civil plans.
E. Attachments
a. School Site Checklist
F. Standard Conditions of Approval
1. All proposed irrigation facilities shall be located outside of the ACHD right-of-way (including all
easements). Any existing irrigation facilities shall be relocated outside of the ACHD right-of-way
(including all easements).
2. Private Utilities including sewer or water systems are prohibited from being located within the ACHD
right-of-way.
3. In accordance with District policy, 7203.3, the applicant may be required to update any existing non-
compliant pedestrian improvements abutting the site to meet current Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA), Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG), ISPWC, or ACHD
requirements . The applicant’s engineer should provide documentation of compliance to District
Development Review staff for review.
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4. Replace any existing damaged curb, gutter and sidewalk and any that may be damaged during the
construction of the proposed development. Contact Construction Services at 387-6280 (with file
number) for details.
5. A license agreement and compliance with the District’s Tree Planter policy is required for all
landscaping proposed within ACHD right-of-way or easement areas.
6. All utility relocation costs associated with improving street frontages abutting the site shall be borne
by the developer.
7. It is the responsibility of the applicant to verify all existing utilities within the right-of-way. The
applicant at no cost to ACHD shall repair existing utilities damaged by the applicant. The applicant
shall be required to call DIGLINE (1-811-342-1585) at least two full business days prior to breaking
ground within ACHD right-of-way. The applicant shall contact ACHD Traffic Operations 387-6190
in the event any ACHD conduits (spare or filled) are compromised during any phase of construction.
8. Utility street cuts in pavement less than five years old are not allowed unless approved in writing by
the District. Contact the District’s Utility Coordinator at 387-6258 (with file numbers) for details.
9. All design and construction shall be in accordance with the ACHD Policy Manual, ISPWC Standards
and approved supplements, Construction Services procedures and all applicable ACHD Standards
unless specifically waived herein. An engineer registered in the State of Idaho shall prepare and
certify all improvement plans.
10. Construction, use and property development shall be in conformance with all applicable
requirements of ACHD prior to District approval for occupancy.
11. No change in the terms and conditions of this approval shall be valid unless they are in writing and
signed by the applicant or the applicant’s authorized representative and an authorized
representative of ACHD. The burden shall be upon the applicant to obtain written confirmation of
any change from ACHD.
12. If the site plan or use should change in the future, ACHD Planning Review will review the site plan
and may require additional improvements to the transportation system at that time. Any change in
the planned use of the property, which is the subject of this application, shall require the applicant
to comply with ACHD Policy and Standard Conditions of Approval in place at that time unless a
waiver/variance of the requirements or other legal relief is granted by the ACHD Commission.
G. Conclusions of Law
1. The proposed site plan is approved, if all of the Site Specific and Standard Conditions of Approval
are satisfied.
2. ACHD requirements are intended to assure that the proposed use/development will not place an
undue burden on the existing vehicular transportation system within the vicinity impacted by the
proposed development.
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Request for Appeal of Staff Decision
To request an appeal of a staff level decision, see District policy 7101.6.7 at
https://www.achdidaho.org/home/showpublisheddocument/452/638243231708370000
Request for Reconsideration of Commission Action
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1123 12th Avenue Road, #425 | Nampa, Idaho 83686 | t: (208) 922-7199 | www.tjwengineering.com February 5, 2024 Mr. Kent Mussell MUSSELL CONSTRUCTION, INC. PO BOX 3304 Nampa, ID 83642 SUBJECT: 965 E Ustick Road Pathways in Education Focused Traffic Study, City of Merdian, Idaho Dear Mr. Mussell, TJW Engineering, Inc. (TJW) is pleased to submit this Focused Traffic Study for the proposed project located at 965 E Ustick Road in the City of Merdian. The proposed project anticipates the conversion of an existing structure to an 8,000 s.f. charter school land use (Pathways in Education or “PIE”). A site plan and a draft of the project narrative are included for reference. The purpose of this memorandum is to respond to the checklist items taken from Idaho Code 67-6519(3). Proposed Project The proposed site is located at 965 E Ustick Road and includes the conversion of the existing vacant residential land use site to an 8,000 s.f. charter school land use. The proposed project will be utilized as a self-study program, hence, daily schedules are broken down generally into 2-hour appointments for testing and tutoring only. Although the students start at the same time, either 8AM, 10AM, or 1 PM. The first portion of their session would be for taking tests and the remainder of their time is set for tutoring. While all students would utilize the testing period of each session, they may not remain the entire time for the tutoring session, so the duration of their stay would vary anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and 45 minutes. Minimal overlap is expected between ingress and egress activity, and any occurrence would only be for a short period of time before each session begins. The proposed project is currently considering two access alternatives to Ustick Road for construction. The first alternative will construct two driveways, separating the ingress and egress to/from the site. The ingress-only driveway would be located east of the project and, the egress driveway would be located to the west. The second alternative will construct one full access driveway located west of the project. Responses to the checklist items would include both alternatives where applicable. A schematic of the proposed project is shown on the following page.
Mr. Mussell 965 E Ustick Rd Pathways in Education Focused Traffic Study February 5, 2024 Page 2 TJW Engineering, Inc. Pathways School Checklist Report 02052024 One Driveway Alternative Full Access Two Driveway Alternative One Ingress Only and One Egress Only Access Checklist Items - Idaho Code 67-6519(3) Per Title 67, Chapter 65 of the State of Idaho Statues, code 67-6519 is applicable for the proposed charter school project. The code states: When considering an application that relates to a public-school facility, the commission shall specifically review the application for the effect it will have on increased vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian volumes on adjacent roads and highways. To ensure that the state highway system or the local highway system can satisfactorily accommodate the proposed school project, the commission shall request the assistance of the Idaho transportation department if state highways are affected, or the local highway district with jurisdiction if the affected roads are not state highways. The Idaho transportation department, the appropriate local highway jurisdiction, or both as determined by the commission, shall review the application and shall report to the commission on the following issues as appropriate: the land use master plan; school bus plan; access safety; pedestrian plan; crossing guard plan; barriers between highways and school; location of school zone; need for flashing beacon; need for traffic control signal; anticipated future improvements; speed on adjacent highways; traffic volumes on adjacent highways; effect upon the highway’s level of service; need for acceleration or deceleration lanes; internal traffic circulation; anticipated development on surrounding undeveloped parcels; zoning in the vicinity; access control on adjacent highways; required striping and signing modifications; funding of highway improvements to accommodate development; proposed highway projects in the vicinity; and any other issues as may be considered appropriate to the particular application.
Mr. Mussell 965 E Ustick Rd Pathways in Education Focused Traffic Study February 5, 2024 Page 3 TJW Engineering, Inc. Pathways School Checklist Report 02052024 The aforementioned code has been interpreted to include the following checklist items to be responded to satisfactorily as part of the review process for the proposed project. 1. Land use master plan Per the City of Meridian, the future land use for the site is R-8 medium density residential. 2. School bus plan Per the Project Narrative provided in the appendix, no school buses will be in operation as part of this project; no school bus plan is anticipated. 3. Access safety For both alternatives, since both egress movements would take place at the westerly driveway, and based on the sight visibility calculations of 530’ for left turning maneuvers and 415’ for right turning maneuvers, adequate sight visibility will be available for vehicles exiting the site. Especially considering the visibility vertex may be reduced as vehicles often encroach into the roadway prior to making a left/right maneuver, adequate sight visibility would be available. 4. Pedestrian plan The school anticipates a range of 90-120 high-school aged students and 12 staff members throughout the day. Pedestrian activity is anticipated to be minimal, especially when considering that majority of students would be dropped-off/picked-up. Should any pedestrian activity occur, it would utilize the existing pedestrian facilities adjacent to the site. With the two-driveway alternative, vehicles would enter the site and queue along the east side of the building as the pick-up/drop-off activity would occur adjacent to the building entrance located at the south side of the building. This circulation would also help reduce pedestrian activity and minimize pedestrian vs. vehicle conflicts within the parking area of the project site. Additional queue related information is provided in the attached Kittelson & Associates Technical Memorandum dated February 1, 2024. 5. Crossing guard plan The school anticipates a range of 90-120 high-school aged students and 12 staff members throughout the day. Based on the older age of the students, and the large potential that most students will be dropped off or driven to the site, a crossing guard, and crossing guard plan, is unlikely to be necessary.
Mr. Mussell 965 E Ustick Rd Pathways in Education Focused Traffic Study February 5, 2024 Page 4 TJW Engineering, Inc. Pathways School Checklist Report 02052024 6. Barriers between highways and school There will be a privacy fence that bounds the east, west and south property limits of the site, no barriers will be present between the highway and the school. There will be an approximately 30-foot setback from the back of sidewalk to the edge of the nearest. As mentioned previously, it should be noted that the school would service high-school aged students. 7. Location of school zone School zone signage and pavement markings are currently not present. The appropriate school zone designation signs and pavement markings should be installed as part of the project. School zone designation should be per MUTCD. 8. Need for flashing beacon Flashing beacons are not anticipated due to the minimal pedestrian activity expected. Users of the site are expected to ride their bikes or be dropped off, hence, they will utilize the existing infrastructure. In addition, a flashing beacon exists approximately a quarter-mile west of the site, and a quarter-mile east is the signalized intersection at Locust Grove. 9. Need for traffic control signal A traffic control signal is not anticipated due to the minimal pedestrian and vehicular activity expected. The driveway configuration will allow for full ingress and egress movements to/from the site (right-in/out and left-in/out movements). A flashing beacon exists approximately a quarter-mile west of the site, and a quarter-mile east is the signalized intersection at Locust Grove. As for project related traffic controls, at a minimum, a STOP sign will be placed at the driveway of the project site. 10. Anticipated future improvements There are no future improvements anticipated for the project with the exception of the school zone related modifications to Ustick Road. 11. Speed on adjacent highways Current posted speed limit on E Ustick Road is 40mph. 12. Traffic volumes on adjacent highways Per latest available traffic count data on the ACHD website (October 2021), Ustick Road east of Meridian Road has the following traffic volumes:
Mr. Mussell 965 E Ustick Rd Pathways in Education Focused Traffic Study February 5, 2024 Page 5 TJW Engineering, Inc. Pathways School Checklist Report 02052024 Roadway Location City Date ADT EB AM EB PM Ustick Road East of Merdian Rd Meridian 10/20/2021 22,653 793 893 WB AM WB PM 625 1,109 13. Effect upon the highway's level of service The school anticipates a range of 90-120 high-school aged students and 12 staff members throughout the day. The operating hours for the school will be between 8am to 4pm (closed on weekends) and most student appointments are during one of three sessions, typically 2 hours between sessions with no sessions on Friday. As mentioned previously, traffic would likely be staggered throughout each session with minimal occurrence of overlap between session end and start times. Based on the school’s operational plan, and the times of each session, the overall effect on the highway’s level of service is anticipated to be minimal, especially during the peak hour. Additional queue related information is provided in the attached Kittelson & Associates Technical Memorandum dated February 1, 2024. 14. Need for acceleration or deceleration lanes Based on the school’s operational plan, each student may be on site anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and 45 minutes. Each session may potentially have some overlap, but it is anticipated to be minimal since some students who finish early would likely depart the site before the next session starts. Hence, traffic to/from the project would be staggered before and after each session, spreading any potential roadway impacts. Additionally, based on the overall peak hour ingress/egress of vehicles and the traffic count data shown under item 12 above, and the two nearby signalized intersections that could effectively serve as vehicle metering, the need for acceleration or deceleration lanes is not anticipated for either driveway configuration alternative. 15. Internal traffic circulation Under the two-driveway alternative, the proposed layout of the school would allow vehicles to enter the site from Ustick Road for drop-off/pick-up activities to/from the school site. Traffic would circulate through the site by entering from the easterly driveway, travel through the site picking-up/dropping-off students adjacent to the building, and continuing onward to the egress only driveway located to the west of the project. On-site parking will be limited to staff use only on the west side while the remaining parking available on the south side of the school could be for students and/or pick-up/drop-off activities. Any anticipated congestion would be captured on-site.
Mr. Mussell 965 E Ustick Rd Pathways in Education Focused Traffic Study February 5, 2024 Page 6 TJW Engineering, Inc. Pathways School Checklist Report 02052024 The one-driveway alternative layout would allow vehicles to enter and exit the site from the westerly driveway. Vehicles would travel through the site for pick-up/drop-off activities before making a u-turn at the end of the parking area. Parking availability and usage would be similar for both driveway alternatives. Additional queue related information is provided in the attached Kittelson & Associates Technical Memorandum dated February 1, 2024. 16. Anticipated development on surrounding undeveloped parcels There are no surrounding developments anticipated. 17. Zoning in the vicinity The current zoning in the vicinity is R-8, medium density residential. 18. Access control on adjacent highways Ustick Road at the project driveway is uncontrolled (ie. free-flowing) while traffic control at the driveway, will operate as a stop-control as vehicles enter the public ROW. A STOP sign will be erected for vehicles entering Ustick Road, where appropriate. 19. Required striping and signing modifications Signing and striping modifications would be installed based on appropriate MUTCD school zone signage and striping requirements. On-site striping, related to parking, directional pavement markers etc. would be captured on-site. 20. Funding of highway improvements to accommodate development As no highway improvements are anticipated as part of this development, no funding will be required. 21. Proposed highway projects in the vicinity There are no significant highway projects anticipated in the near term. 22. Any other issues as may be considered appropriate to the particular application. There are no other issues readily anticipated as part of the proposed project.
Mr. Mussell 965 E Ustick Rd Pathways in Education Focused Traffic Study February 5, 2024 Page 7 TJW Engineering, Inc. Pathways School Checklist Report 02052024 Summary This focused traffic study provides an overview of the proposed project and its potential effects on the local highway infrastructure. This study has been completed in response to the checklist requirements per Idaho Code 67-6519930. Information and details pertaining to specific queue related concerns are provided within the attached Kittelson & Associates Technical Memorandum. Please contact us at (208) 922-7199 if you have any questions regarding this study. Sincerely, Thomas J. Wheat, PE Gene Kim Principal Principal Engineer Registered Civil Engineer #20918 Attachments
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As shown on the site plan, there is room on-site for approximately 80 feet of drop-off and pick-up area
for students who are driven to the school plus 300 feet of on-site queuing storage. This translates to
space for approximately 4 cars in the drop-off and pick-up area, and space for an additional 15 cars of on-
site queuing storage.
PIE is a unique charter school that provides supplemental tutoring sessions to homeschooled children two
days a week. There are three tutoring sessions each of those two days, however, a limited number of
students attend each session. PIE estimates that the site will serve 240 students overall, of which 120 will
be present on a given day spread across 3 separate tutoring sessions starting at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., and 1 p.m.
A maximum of 40 students will be present at any given session. Of those 40 students, PIE estimates that
20 would arrive via parent drop-off, 16 will self-drive, and 4 will arrive via an alternate mode (walking or
biking). Individual sessions run from 45 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, with no set dismissal times.
Queuing Analysis
Schools have unique operations as it relates to traffic circulation and arrivals and departures. Schools
exhibit distinct peaking characteristics as most students arrive within a 20-minute window of school start
and depart within a 20-minute window of school dismissal. Outside of these two 20-minute windows
where activity is concentrated, activity to and from the school is minimal. These peaking characteristics
result in parent drop off and pick up queues during those 20-minute windows. PIE is unique, as it operates
in 3 individual tutoring sessions throughout the day, without a set dismissal time for each session. It is
also possible that a drop-off queue could overlap with the pick-up queue from a previous session. As
such, a detailed queuing analysis was completed for the school at Session 1 drop-off (8 a.m.), Session 1
pick-up (8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.), and Session 2 drop-off (10 a.m.) times, to identify any potential issues
regarding on-site queuing.
Kittelson has developed a statistical queuing model in Excel specific to school drop-off and pick-up
queues, which takes inputs such as estimated trip generation, available drop off / loading area, available
queuing area beyond drop off, and estimated drop off / loading times. The model then applies those
inputs to an arrival distribution related to the anticipated start / dismissal times of the school to generate
an estimated queue length (by number of cars). Kittelson and ACHD have used this spreadsheet m odel on
numerous other school sites and found the results to be defensible and reasonable.
The queueing analysis summary morning volume profile differs from the peak hour trip generation ins
and outs of the site, as the arrival rate of vehicles is multiplied by a confidence factor of 2 for a statistics -
based representation of 95% percentile, which may be a conservative representation of average
conditions. Typically, a confidence factor of 1 is applied to afternoon pick-up vehicle arrivals since most
pick-up trips will arrive in advance of pick-up processing beginning, limiting variability, however this is not
applied since PIE does not have a set dismissal time and operates like a drop-off condition (the main
difference being a decrease in processing rate).
As noted above, there will be approximately 4 drop-off / pick-up spaces available for use, and
approximately 300 linear feet of on-site queuing available beyond the drop-off / pick–up spaces. For
session drop-off, it is estimated that 20 cars will enter the site for drop-off for each session, all arriving
within the 20 minutes prior to session start time. For session pick-up, it is estimated that 20 cars will enter
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Pathways in Education - Meridian, ID Queuing Analysis
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the site for pick-up, with 14 arriving between 9:25 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. Figure 2 shows the drop-off profile
for Session 1.
Figure 2. Session 1 Drop-off Profile
As shown in Figure 2, it is estimated that no cars will queue beyond the drop-off area during the Session 1
drop-off period. Figure 3 shows the pick-up profile for Session 1.
Figure 3. Session 1 Pick-up Profile
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Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
As shown in Figure 3, it is estimated that approximately 5 cars will queue beyond the pick-up area during
the Session 1 pick-up period. This can be accommodated within the on-site queuing area (300 feet, 15
cars) and is not anticipated to back up to or impact Ustick Road.
Figure 4 shows the drop-off profile for Session 2, with the potential overlap from the Session 1 drop -off
profile.
Figure 4. Session 2 Drop-off Profile
As shown in Figure 4, the drop-off profile for Session 2 is not significantly impacted by the Session 1 pick -
up overlap, with the same estimated 5 car queue beyond the drop off / pick up area from 9:40 a.m. to 9:45
a.m.
Figure 5 shows the estimated extents of the maximum 5 car queue on site.
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Pathways in Education - Meridian, ID Conclusion
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
Figure 5. Estimated Maximum On-Site Queue
Conclusion
The proposed charter school, Pathways in Education, anticipates that 20 students will be dropped off and
picked up for any given tutoring session. The current site plan shows 4 spaces available for drop-off and
pick-up, and 300 linear feet of on-site queuing space. Given this information, the queuing analysis herein
estimates a maximum queue of 5 cars beyond drop-off / pick-up area during the overlap time when
students from one session are leaving and those for the next tutoring session arrive, which can be
accommodated on-site and not back up to or impact Ustick Road.