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2016 03-071 TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING AGENDA Monday, March 7th, 2016 – 3:30 pm Council Chambers - Meridian City Hall - 33 East Broadway Ave., Meridian, Idaho 1. Roll Call: Ryan Lancaster Bryan Leisle ___ Luke Cavener (ex -officio) Darrel McRoberts Ryan Hall ___ Shawn Martin (ex -officio) Stephen Lewis Jack McGee ___ Toni Tisdale (ex -officio) David Ballard Lance Baumg artner ___ Margaret Havey (ex -officio) ___ Tracy Hopkins ___ Mark Wasdahl (ex-officio) ___ Miranda Carson (ex-officio) 2. Adoption of the Agenda 3. Introduction of Ex-Officio Member Cavener 4. Approval of Minutes from February 1st, 2016 Meeting 5. Old Business Items a. 2016 Transportation Project Priorities (memo attached; C. Hood) b. Amendment of Commission Bylaws (memo attached; C. Hood) c. Meridian Police Department Status Report (Sgt. Stacy Arnold) d. Transportation Projects Update (memo attached; C. Hood) 6. New Business Items a. Valley Regional Transit 2016 Service Change Proposals (memo attached; M. Havey) b. Staff Communications (memo attached; C. Hood) 7. Future Meeting Topics a. COMPASS Freight Study b. Eagle Road Speed Limit Update c. Speed Limits on Ten Mile Road d. VRT Transit 101 e. ACHD CIP f. US 20/26 Corridor Study g. Master Mobility Planning 8. Next Meeting Date: April 11th, 2016 9. Adjourn Meeting Minutes Meridian Transportation Commission March 7th, 2016 Council Chambers — Meridian City Hall • 33 East Broadway Ave., Meridian, Idaho I. Meeting called to order at 3:30 pm and Roll taken: x Ryan Lancaster x Bryan Leisle x Luke Cavener (ex -officio) X Darrel McRoberts x Ryan Hall x Shawn Martin (ex -officio) x Stephen Lewis p Jack McGee x Toni Tisdale (ex -officio) X David Ballard x Lance Baumgartner o Margaret Havey (ex -officio) A Tracy Hopkins p Mark Wasdahl (ex -officio) o Miranda Carson (ex -officio) Others Present: Rhonda Jahlbert (for Margaret Havey) Ted Baird, and Caleb Hood 2. Adoption of the Agenda Prior to the adoption of the Agenda Commissioner Lancaster requested clarification on the current agenda. The Commissioner wanted an update regarding the strategic initiatives emails and the annual report that was recently given. Chairman Hopkins asked Caleb Hood to provide a brief update. Since the last Commission meeting, ITD District 3 staff informed him that ITD was applying for a statewide competitive grant for Strategic Initiatives for transportation projects. ITD District 3 is applying to widen Chinden from Locust Grove to Eagle Road. Caleb spoke to City Council and other agencies asking for letters of support, as well as sent emails to the Commission. Caleb drafted a letter and met with Chairman Hopkins who signed it and letter was forwarded to Amanda LaMott. The deadline was March I", which is why there was a rush to complete the letter prior to today's Commission meeting. Chairman Hopkins provided an end of year update - Mayor expressed thanks and gratitude to the commission for their contribution to the City. Motion by Lancaster to adopt Agenda as written, second by Lewis — all ayes — motion carried. 3. Introduction of Ex -Officio Member Cavener Councilman Luke Cavener provided a brief background update on his experience. Currently serving on Meridian City Council, 3rd year of first term, replaced Councilman Zaremba. He is a lifelong resident of Meridian and excited to serve on this commission. (Ex -Officio members Wasdahl and Carson arrived) 4. Approval of Minutes from February 1St, 2016 Meeting Commissioner Lancaster noted typographical error on item 5a page 3 of packet, ASHTO should be "AASHTO". No other comments or corrections needed. Motion by Lewis to approve the minutes with the one change, second by Ballard — all ayes — motion carried. S. Old Business Items a. 2016 Transportation Project Priorities Update (C. Hood) Mr. Hood directed the commission's attention to provided documents, which is a compiled summary, with incorporated commission feedback, for 2016 Meridian roadway and intersection priorities. Mr. Hood reacquainted the commission with the purpose of the documents and the action to amend the documents to establish the proper prioritization so the information could be presented to Council and then ACHD by April IS`. Questions were asked, discussed and answered regarding Black Cat/Franklin/Ten Mile, as well as Fairview/Locust Grove lane configurations and level of service. The phasing along McMillan Road was also discussed. Clarification was made regarding the notation "high priority" classification which is an ACHD classification. Discussion to change the prioritization of identified priority line item #10 (Franklin Road) down to and move #20 (McMillan) up. Motion by Hall, second by Lewis - all -ayes — motion carried. Discussion to change the prioritization of Locust Grove, between Fairview and Chinden up. Motion by Commissioner Leslie to move Ten Mile Road, Ustick to McMillan down in priorities so two Locust Grove projects can move into the top 15, second by Hall — 7 ayes, I nay - motion carried. Caleb provided a brief update on the Community Programs projects. There are no major changes in priorities year over year. Caleb recommended removing completed projects or those on the 90 day bid list from the list. There are some new projects so the commission should prioritization as they deem appropriate. Commissioner Lewis asked for an update regarding Rails with Trails so he could better assess the prioritization of identified projects. Mr. Hood provided an update and clarified `joint use' either through purchase, lease or other means, not that the UP is giving away their property, but allowing us to `buy' a seat in their ROW. The hope is to engage UP in conversation and show them the benefit to the community of working together. The Community Projects list is not specific or exclusive of ACHD funded projects. It is more of a citywide project list, but we prepare it for ACHD as a communication tool that if there are projects ACHD is constructing and our projects could be benefited in their overall plan. Motion by Lancaster to move community program line items 14, 15 & 16 down to below line 25 and move all other projects up 3 places, seconded by Lewis - 3 ayes 5 nays - motion failed. Commissioner Lewis made a motion to move line item 15 & 16 down below line 25 and other items up on the list - all ayes - motion carried. Mr. Hood mentioned that there are two additional types of projects that haven't historically been on the project list that the Commission could consider for prioritization, which ACHD would consider for funding; wayfinding signage and shared lane markings. Mr. Hood will share project information with Council tomorrow and will bring back any feedback over the next couple months. b. Amendment of Commission Bylaws (C. Hood) Caleb Hood provided a brief update starting on page 7 of the packet. Last month the Commission reviewed the information, briefly. Caleb noted the documents included in the packet and the purpose of them as the guidelines/rules for the Commission. Included documents are the original 2013 ordinance, the updated 2015 ordinance and a `clean' copy of the updated bylaws. Questions were asked, discussed and answered, particularly about the format and repetitiveness in the various documents. Motion to adopt amended Bylaws by Ballard, second by Lewis — 7 ayes, I nay — motion carried. c. Meridian Police Department Status Report (Sgt. Stacey Arnold) Mr. Hood noted that he received an email from Sgt. Arnold that he would not be able to attend this month. d. Transportation Project Update (C. Hood) Mr. Hood directed the Commission to page 18 of the packet. On page 20, information on the MDC Idaho Ave Placemaking project was presented. Mr. Hood shared the approved concept plan. There is an expected soft opening in April with a `formal' event in May. Mr. Ballard has attended several of the meetings offered some additional comments. ACHD is still reviewing the plan with their legal department. Mr. Hood does not anticipate any issue with approval. 6. New Business Items a. Valley Regional Transit 2016 Service Change Proposals (M. Havey) Rhonda Jalbert presented in place of Ms. Havey. Ms. Jalbert is the Development Director for Valley Regional Transit and reviewed the August service changes and the three Intercounty transit proposal specifics with the Commission. She reviewed data received from VRT consultants on the route system service, how to make them more reliable and sustainable, route performance and issues related to service. She reviewed the current state, collection of information through interviews with multiple agency and business contacts, as well as actions taken by VRT. The VRT Board has not approved any route changes at this time; they will review concepts and vote on recommendations April 4`h. Any approved changes are slotted to occur in August 2016. Ms. Jalbert pointed that public comment closes March 13`h and directed the Commission to the Valley Ride website survey and requested a letter of comments/recommendation from the City Council on which scenario(s) the City prefers. Mr. Hood will present any recommendation the Commission would like to provide to City Council. Motion by Commissioner Lewis and second by Commissioner Ballard for Mr. Hood to make a "soft" recommendation to City Council on proposal 2 — all ayes — motion carried. Motion by Commissioner Lewis and second by Commissioner Ballard to extend past 5:30 meeting deadline — all ayes — motion carried. Questions were asked regarding ridership and intercounty routes through Meridian as well as fiscal impact. VRT will come back at a future time to share ridership numbers, discuss other operational opportunities and share received community feedback regarding recommendations. b. Staff communications (C. Hood) No current staff communications, the memo was left as a place holder for next meeting. 7. Future Meeting Topics a. COMPASS Freight Study b. Eagle Road Speed Limit Update c. Speed Limits on Ten Mile Road d. VRT Transit 101 e. ACHD CIP f. US 20/26 Corridor Study g. Master Mobility Planning At the direction of the Chairman last month, Mr. Hood contacted Gerald Diffendaffer and invited him to attend the next Commission meeting. Caleb will be on business travel during the April 4th meeting. Mr. Hood will contact Mr. Diffendaffer on change of date (to April I I th) and see if he is available to attend the next scheduled meeting of the Commission. (Topic is not currently represented on future meeting topics, as new date needs to be determined.) Liisa Itkonnen will attend next month to update the Commission on the COMPASS freight study and is aware of the proposed new date of April I I th, 2016. 8. Next Meeting Date: April I Ith, 2016 (changed from April 4th) 9. Adjourn Motion by McRoberts and second by Ballard to adjourn — all ayes — motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 5:44 p.m. (AUDIO RECORDING AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST) TRACY HOPKINS, CHAIR ov 4 5 S4 �rlJa'C H N1' t? ,al DATE DAT 6 5a. 2016 Transportation Project Priorities Memo To: Meridian Transportation Commission From: Caleb Hood, Planning Division Manager Date: 3/3/2016 Re: 2016 Transportation Project Priorities Annually, the City prepares transportation priority lists for the transportation agencies to consider in their programming and budget processes. The Meridian Transportation Commission (TC) is tasked with making recommendations to the City Council on priority transportation projects. During the February TC meeting, the Commission heard some background information from both City and ACHD staff on how the prioritization process works at ACHD and the City’s role. The Commission began to comment on changes to the priorities from 2015, but decided it would be more efficient to review them individually and submit any requested changes to Caleb electronically. Commissioner Lewis was the only Commissioner to e-mail comments/priorities. Staff will run through the priority list changes since last month, during the March TC meeting . The Commission should review and approve roadway, intersection and Community Program project priorities for the City Council and then ACHD to consider in their 2017-2021 Integrated Five-Year Work Plan (IFYWP.) ACHD is requesting all project requests be submitted no later than April 1 st , 2016. NOTE: Staff will print and hand-out the draft priority project lists for 2016 during the meeting. The draft project lists will be e-mailed ahead of the meeting, along with the packet. 7 5b. Commission Amendments to Bylaws Memo To: Meridian Transportation Commission From: Caleb Hood, Planning Division Manager Date: 3/2/2016 Re: Review and Approve Commission Amendments to By-Laws During the February TC meeting, the Commission received the 2013 ordinance (Ordinance No. 13- 1542) that originally created and defines the Commission. During the February TC meeting, Ted Baird explained some changes that the City Council made to Commissions citywide late last year (Ordinance No. 15-1664; see pgs. 1-4, 13-15, attached). To comply with the updated City Code, Title 2, the TC’s bylaws have been amended. To better see the changes to the bylaws, an underline and strike-through version is provided below. A “clean” copy of the amended bylaws will be brought to the March meeting for the Chair to sign. 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 BYLAWS of the MERIDIAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION AS AMENDED on March 7 , 2016 WHEREAS, pursuant to Title 2, Chapter 3, Section 4(B)Meridian City Code section 2-7- 4(B) , the Transportation Commission is required to adopt bylaws, rules and regulations for the proper conduct of the business of the commission; WHEREAS, on September 17, 2013, the City Council of the City of Meridian adopted Resolution no. 13-944, which effectuated the previous iteration of the Bylaws of the Meridian Transportation Commission; WHEREAS, at its regular meeting on March 7, 2016, the Meridian Transportation Commission voted to recommend that the Commission’s bylaws be amended and updated as set forth herein; WHEREAS, bylaws, rules and regulations adopted by the Transportation Commission are subject to the approval of the Mayor and City Council after recommendation by the commission. NOW, THEREFORE, the Meridian Transportation Commission hereby establishes and adopts the following bylaws. ARTICLE I: INTENT The intent in preparing and adopting these bylaws is to provide a framework for the organization, actions, and agenda of the Meridian Transportation Commission (hereinafter “Commission”). ARTICLE II: OFFICE The principal location of the Commission shall be at the Office of the City Clerk, 33 E. Broadway, Meridian, Idaho. ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP SECTION 1: TERMS OF OFFICE . In keeping with provisions of Meridian City Code regarding commissioners’ terms of office, there are hereby designated nine membership seats on the Commission. The commissioner appointed to Seats 1, 2, and 3 shall serve an initial term of one (1) year. The commissioner appointed to Seat 4 shall be designated to represent Meridian’s youth and shall serve a term of one (1) year, which term shall expire on August 31 of each year. The commissioner appointed to Seats 5, 6, and 7 shall each serve an initial term of two (2) years. The commissioner appointed to Seats 8, and 9 shall each serve an initial term of three (3) years. Following the initial term, each commissioner, with the exception of the commissioner appointed to Seat 4, shall serve a term of three (3) years. SECTION 2: EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS . There shall be up to six (6) nonvoting ex officio members appointed to the commission made up of representatives from the Meridian City Council, ACHD, ITD, COMPASS, VRT, and/or Meridian Joint School District #2West Ada School District staff. The representative from the Meridian City Council serves as both a liaison to the Council and as a nonvoting ex-officio member. 15 SECTION 23: SUBCOMMITTEES . The Commission Chair, with the Commission’s approval, may establish such subcommittees as necessary or helpful to assist or advise the Commission in the performance of its functions and/or furtherance of its mission. Meetings of subcommittees shall comply with any and all applicable public meetings laws. Each subcommittee shall consist of at least two (2) commissioners. Unless a subcommittee chair is appointed by the Commission Chair, each subcommittee shall elect a chair to preside at subcommittee meetings and present the findings and/or recommendations of the subcommittee to the Commission. The Commission Chair, subcommittee chair, and/or Mayor may appoint citizens or public officials to serve as members of subcommittees. SECTION 34: QUORUM . According to the provisions of Meridian City Code, a majority of currently-appointed commissioners shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business of the Commission. SECTION 45: VOTING . Each commissioner shall be entitled to one (1) vote on any matter before the Commission. Except as otherwise designated herein, the vote of the majority of the members present at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall effectuate any decision of the Commission. The Commission Chair shall be a voting member of the Commission and shall hold the same rights and privileges as any other commissioner. Proxy voting shall not be permitted. SECTION 5: ATTENDANCE . Three (3) consecutive, unexcused absences of a commissioner from regular Commission meetings shall constitute such commissioner’s notice of termination. The Chair or Vice-Chair may excuse a commissioner from attendance during roll call or on the record at a subsequent regularly scheduled meeting. ARTICLE IV: MEETINGS SECTION 1: NUMBER AND DATE OF REGULAR MEETINGS . According to the provisions of Meridian City Code, the Commission shall hold no fewer than four (4) regular meetings during the calendar year. Unless otherwise specified, regular meetings of the Commission shall be held on the first Monday of each month at 3:30 p.m. In the event that the first Monday of any particular month falls on a City-recognized holiday, the meeting for that month shall be held on the second Monday. SECTION 2: SPECIAL MEETINGS . Special meetings may be convened by or at the direction of the Chair by notifying the Commission in the manner specified herein. SECTION 3: PLACE OF MEETINGS . Unless otherwise specified, meetings of the Commission shall be held in the City Council Chambers at Meridian City Hall, 33 E. Broadway, Meridian, Idaho. SECTION 4: NOTICE OF MEETINGS . Unless otherwise prescribed by statute, commissioners shall be provided written notice of meetings, which notice shall state the date, hour, and location thereof, and shall further state the purpose of the meeting, business to be transacted, and/or agenda. The City Clerk’s Office shall issue notice to each and every commissioner not less than forty-eight (48) hours, nor more than thirty (30) days prior to the meeting. Notice may be issued by e-mail, U.S. Post, and/or personally, by or at the direction of the Chair or the Chair’s delegee. 16 SECTION 5: LENGTH OF MEETINGS . No meeting shall run longer than two (2) hours unless a majority vote of the quorum approves the extension of such time limit as to a particular meeting. SECTION 6: CONDUCT OF MEETINGS . The Commission shall operate under the precepts of Robert’s Rules of Order. The order of business for meetings of the Commission shall be as follows: 1) call to order; 2) roll call; 3) adoption of the agenda; 4) approval of minutes of previous meeting(s); 5) old business; 6) new business; 7) next meeting; 8) adjournment. The agenda shall be followed to the extent possible, but other matters may be considered upon vote of the majority of the members present at any meeting at which a quorum is present. The Chair may set rules to maximize efficiency and productivity of meetings, including setting a time limit for presentations and/or comments to the Commission. SECTION 7: AGENDA . The agenda for all meetings of the Commission shall be prepared by the City Clerk’s Office in consultation with the Commission Chair and Community Development Department staff. Agenda items may be proposed to the Clerk, Commission Chair, and/or Community Development staff by any commissioner or any member of the public and may be placed on the agenda, provided that adequate notice of such item has been provided as set forth herein. Agenda items not proposed by 5:00 p.m. on the Tuesday preceding the regular meeting, or forty-eight (48) hours before a special meeting shall be considered at any meeting at which a quorum is present only upon vote of the majority of the members present. SECTION 8: MINUTES . Minutes and/or records of the business conducted at all meetings of the Commission or any subcommittee thereof shall be kept by the City Clerk’s Office and shall be open for public inspection. The minutes of each meeting shall be forwarded to each commissioner prior to the regular meeting at which such minutes are subject to approval by the Commission. ARTICLE V: OFFICERS SECTION 1: DESIGNATION . According to the provisions of Meridian City Code, officers of the Commission shall include the Commission Chair and Commission Vice-Chair. Other officers may be elected as necessary or desirable for the efficient administration of the Commission if a majority of the Commission so decides. SECTION 2: TERM AND ELECTION . Election of officers shall be by voice vote and, according to the provisions of Meridian City Code, shall be held at the first regularly scheduled meeting after January 1 of each year. A special election may be held at any time to fill a vacancy of office. An officer who fails or refuses to fulfill the duties of his or her office may be removed from the office by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the full Commission at a special election. SECTION 3: DUTIES OF CHAIR . The Commission Chair shall prepare meeting agendas in cooperation with the Community Development Department staff and the City Clerk’s Office, shall preside over all full Commission meetings, shall sign all documents requiring an official signature on behalf of the Commission, including its annual report, and shall present the Commission’s annual report, and other reports as may be necessary, to the Mayor and City Council. The Chair shall recommend, for the Commission’s approval, the formation of subcommittees and the appointment of commissioners, citizens, and/or public officials thereto. The decisions, statements, and/or actions of the Chair shall obligate, commit, and/or represent the Commission only insofar as the Commission has specifically authorized. 17 SECTION 4: DUTIES OF VICE -CHAIR . The Commission Vice-Chair shall perform the duties of the Chair in the absence of the Chair and shall perform such other duties as may be delegated by the Commission Chair. ARTICLE VI: AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS As provided in Meridian City Code, the Commission may recommend to the Mayor and City Council that these bylaws be altered, amended, added to, or repealed upon a four-fifths (4/5) vote of the full Commission . ARTICLE VII: ADOPTION AND EFFECTIVE DATE The Commission adopted the foregoing bylaws at its regular meeting on September 9, 2013 March 7 , 2016 . These bylaws shall be effective upon their ratification by resolution of the City Council of the City of Meridian. Adopted by the Meridian Transportation Commission on the 9th day of September, 2013 March 7, 2016 . _______________________________ Ryan LancasterTracy Hopkins , Commission Chair Meridian Transportation Commission 18 5d. Transportation Projects Update Memo To: Meridian Transportation Commission From: Caleb Hood, Planning Division Manager Date: 3/2/2016 Re: March 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 March 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: Franklin, Black Cat to Ten Mile Road: This is a Federal Aid project, programmed for construction in 2016-2017 with the Franklin/Black Cat intersection. The project will widen Franklin to five lanes including curb, gutter and sidewalks. Low-impact storm drain techniques. As part of the scoping of this project, the City requested detached sidewalks, a center median, lighting, and reclaimed water is included with the project. A (landscaped) center median is no longer part of this project. Right-of-way acquisition phase in process. Ustick Corridor: There are several projects in the design and right-of-way phases along Ustick Road. There are plans to design and construct projects at the Ustick/Meridian intersection, and roadway widening projects for the segments between Locust Grove and Meridian and Meridian to Linder. In the 2015-2019 ACHD IFYWP, these projects are programmed for construction in 2018/2019. In the recently adopted 2016-2020 IFYWP, the Ustick corridor projects advance to 2016-2018. Pine Ave, Meridian to Locust Grove: This project, to improve Pine between Meridian Road and Locust Grove, is planned for construction in 2018 in the adopted 2016-2020 IFYWP. The City and MDC want to partner 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 will need to occur. 19 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 2016-2020 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. Construction is planned for 2020 in the adopted IFYWP at a cost of $4.387M. A project meeting was held on March 1 st to review the 30% plans. A preferred concept was chosen. Linder Road, Franklin to Pine: Widen 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. Construction is planned for 2019 at a cost of $3.425M. Cherry Lane, Linder to Meridian Road Lighting: Using federal funds, ACHD is working with Precision to design roadway lighting for approximately one mile of Cherry Lane. The City is providing a local match. The PS&E Package should be submitted by mid to late September. The federal funds have shifted from 2016 to 2017 for project construction. Victory Road and Amity Road Bridge Projects: Two bridges are being replaced, one on Victory and one on Amity. The bridges are located within one mile of each other, approximately ¼ mile east of Ten Mile Road. Construction is scheduled so that one bridge remains open while crews work on the other; Victory is being worked on first. Victory structures are complete and the roadway is temporarily open but will close again in the spring when the roadway can be rebuilt. New bridge on Amity has been placed; working on irrigation structures. Amity Road is now closed. Construction should be complete by May 1, 2016. C&A Paving is the contractor. ACHD COMMUNITY PROGRAM PROJECTS 2016 Construction: • Fairview, E. 3 rd Street to Locust Grove – Sidewalk on both sides of the street. (February 2016; $230K) • Black Cat, Moonlake to Ustick – Sidewalk on one side of Black Cat and a ped signal. (February 2016; $150K) 2017 Construction: • W. 1 st , Broadway to Pine – Sidewalk for two blocks near Meridian Elementary. • W. 4 th , Broadway to Maple – Sidewalk on one side near Meridian Elementary. ITD PROJECTS SH-55 (Eagle Road): Design work began to add an additional northbound and southbound lane to Eagle Road, between River Valley and I-84. From River Valley to Franklin, The Village developer (CenterCal) is making improvements via a STAR agreement with the State and ACHD. Portions of sidewalk, a designated right-turn lane onto westbound I-84, 20 and other related improvements will be included. CenterCal may be constructing this project in 2017. US 20/26: On February 22nd, the sixth meeting of the US 20/26 Task Force was held. The next meeting will be held on Monday, March 28th. 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 are $75,000 in FY2016 for design and $500,000 in FY18 and FY19 for pathway construction in the Regional Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP). On Tuesday, March 8 th , the COMPASS Board Executive Committee will be asked to establish a regional Rail with Trail workgroup. MDC PROJECTS Idaho Avenue Placemaking: A potential placemaking project on Idaho Avenue, between Main and 2 nd Street is being discussed. Both the City and MDC have budgeted $15,000 towards “right-sizing” Idaho Avenue in this block. City Staff has developed some concepts that were shared with the MDBA, the business owners along Idaho, and City Council. A preferred concept was submitted to ACHD for approval. Cost estimates and partnership opportunities are being developed. It is anticipated that the installation will occur in the spring of 2016. Both the concept and a budget, $24,000 was approved by the City Council and MDC Board in February. The concept plan will be shared with the TC during the meeting. OTHER Transit: The Meridian Saturday Fun Bus service was discontinued in September. VRT is working to establish a committee to determine what a similar service could look like for the summer months. Training and regional planning will continue. VRT will be at the March TC meeting to explain potential route changes to the intercounty service, Routes 40 and 42. Parklets: In other cities throughout the US, parklets (on-street parking areas converted to public seating/use areas) are becoming more and more popular. Some businesses in downtown Meridian are interested in installing parklets. City staff is working with ACHD on an agreement for parklet standard construction and use. Hopefully, this tool can be available to businesses downtown in the near future. ACHD 2016 CIP Update Task Force: Every four years ACHD updates its 20-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The Task Force (TF) is made up of city staff, ACHD Commissioners, members of the CICAC, as well as commercial and residential developers. The CIP Updated kick-off meeting was held on January 29 th , 2015 and they meet monthly. The TF is currently discussing service areas, Level of Service standards, existing deficiencies and elements of roadway projects that should be eligible for impart fee 21 expenditures. This group and the process to update the CIP will go on well into calendar year 2016. Transportation Alternative Program (TAP): Potential TAP projects were discussed with the TC during the last couple meetings. During the December meeting, the TC requested a summary of the TAP applications and potential fallback projects/applications. For 2015 the City applied to COMPASS for one TAP application: a pathway segment in north Meridian, between Black Cat and Ten Mile. The Rail with Trail corridor is also a top priority, and the safe routes to school coordinator positions are also important. Alternative or potential fallback TAP projects are currently being identified by staff. The list of potential, future TAP projects will be brought back to the TC later in 2016. 22 6a. Valley Regional Transit 2016 Service Change Proposals Memo To: Meridian Transportation Commission From: Caleb Hood, Planning Division Manager Date: 3/2/2016 Re: 2016 VRT Service Changes During the March 7 th TC meeting, Margaret Havey will give an overview regarding potential changes to the Intercounty Transit Service. Meridian contributes operational funds to this service. Alternative 1 proposes to eliminate the Route 42, but express stops on the consolidated route would remain. The tradeoff would be that those express stops would be served by more trips each day. Alternative 2 proposal is that the Route 42 would remain as a limited stop; any specific route changes though Meridian would be determined later. Express service would serve the current Meridian Stops at Ten Mile Road and near Wahooz, and they would have a few more trips per day. So if Alternative 1 is selected to go forward by the VRT board on April 4th, VRT would come back to the City to discuss the future of operation contributions and how to proceed. Public comment on the service changes is currently open through Sunday, March 13th. For more information, please see the memo and maps below or go to: http://www.valleyride.org/service-changes 23 24 25 26 27 28 6b. Staff Communications Memo To: Meridian Transportation Commission From: Caleb Hood, Planning Division Manager Date: 3/2/2016 Re: Staff Communications There were no relevant e-mail correspondences to share with the Commission since the February meeting. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------