2016 11-071
TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Monday, December 5, 2016 – 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 Jack McGee ___ Toni Tisdale (ex-officio)
David Ballard Lance Baumgartner ___ Rhonda Jalbert (ex-officio)
Brent Knezacek Erika Bowen (ex-officio) ___ Miranda Carson (ex-officio)
2. Adoption of the Agenda
3. Approval of Minutes from November 7, 2016 Meeting
4. New Ex-Officio Member Introductions
5. Old Business Items
a. Transportation Projects Update (memo attached; C. Hood)
6. New Business Items
a. Meridian Police Department Status Report (Sgt. Stacy Arnold)
b. Eagle Road Speed Limits, Access and Striping Changes Near Village Drive
and River Valley Street (Erika Bowen, ITD)
c. ACHD Bicycle Advisory Committee Update (B. Leisle)
d. Staff Communications (memo attached; C. Hood)
7. Future Meeting Topics
a. Meridian Road Speed Study
b. VRT Transit 101
c. US 20/26 Corridor Study
d. Master Mobility Map
e. Eleven vs. Twelve Foot Travel Lanes
f. 2017 Priority Projects
8. Next Meeting Date: January 9th, 2017
9. Adjourn
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Meeting Minutes
Meridian Transportation Commission
November 7, 2016
Council Chambers – Meridian City Hall 33 East Broadway Ave., Meridian, Idaho
1. Roll Call
(Meeting called to order at 3:30 pm and roll taken)
x Tracy Hopkins x Bryan Leisle o Luke Cavener (ex-officio)
x Ryan Lancaster x Ryan Hall x Shawn Martin (ex-officio)
x Stephen Lewis x Jack McGee o Toni Tisdale (ex-officio)
x David Ballard x Lance Baumgartner o Tod Morris (ex-officio)
x Brent Knezacek x Mark Wasdahl (ex-officio) o Miranda Carson (ex-officio)
Others Present: Ted Baird and Caleb Hood
2. Adoption of the Agenda
Motion by Commissioner Lewis to approve the Agenda with a note for item 5B, Eagle Road, that
Caleb Hood will present and not Erika Bowen; second by Commissioner McGee – all ayes –
motion carried.
(Ex-Officio Members Tisdale and Carson arrived)
3. Approval of Minutes from October 4, 2016 Meeting
Motion by Commissioner McGee to approve the minutes with a correction to the November 3rd
date listed (should be November 7th) in the Future Meeting Topics section; second by
Commissioner Lewis – all ayes – motion carried.
4. Old Business Items
a. Transportation Projects Update (memo attached; C. Hood)
Mr. Hood directed the attention of the Commission to the memos beginning on page 5. Caleb
began the update with the ACHD 2017-2021 IFYWP item on page 8, noting that the ACHD
Commission had approved the five-year work plan on October 26th. Mr. Hood also referenced the
link to the information, which is included in the memo packet. On page 7, Mr. Hood highlighted
the MDC bicycle map that was provided to each Commissioner; additional copies are available if
desired. The map is specific to Meridian and showcases how to get to downtown through the
various roadways, micro pathways, etc. with the intent of drawing people downtown. Mr. Hood
also mentioned, on page 7, the Idaho Avenue Placemaking Project which won an award from Idaho
Growth Smart. This was a joint project between the Meridian Development Corporation (MDC),
the Meridian Downtown Business Association (MDBA) and the City. The MDBA will be accepting
the award at a recognition ceremony on November 17th. Commissioner Hopkins inquired as to
why there is no free right turn onto Meridian Road from the I-84 Eastbound off-ramp.
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Commissioner Lancaster asked about a crosswalk on Meridian Road, just north of Ustick and if that
crosswalk was interim or long-term. Mr. Hood stated he would find out the answers and get back
to the Commission. Mr. Hood stood for additional questions and provided answers on other
transportation topics not explicitly reviewed or provided in the memo.
b. Parking Issue on Spring Valley Lane (C. Hood)
Mr. Hood provided a brief recap of the issue and update from the conversation he had with Perry
Palmer, Deputy Fire Chief. Approximately 2 years ago, two No Parking signs were installed on one
side of the private road. At this time, the Fire Chief feels the signs are working as expected and
there is not an issue for the Fire Department. Mr. Hood shared some photos he took and planned
to address with Sgt. Arnold at today’s meeting, but Sgt. Arnold was not in attendance. No further
action will be taken at this time. Mr. Hood will consult with Code Enforcement and Police patrol
for their input/observations of this road. The situation will be monitored and if it becomes
problematic will be addressed as needed by engaging the business owners and potentially additional
No Parking signs and enforcement.
5. New Business Items
a. Meridian Police Department Status Report (Sgt. Stacy Arnold)
Topic not reviewed as Sgt. Arnold was not present
b. Eagle Road Speed Limits, Access and Striping Changes Near Village Drive and
River Valley Street (Erika Bowen, ITD)(Caleb Hood)
Mr. Hood provided a brief recap of this topic and then updated the Commission on status.
Unfortunately, Erika Bowen had an unexpected conflict but plans to attend the December
Commission meeting for further collaboration. Mr. Hood noted that ITD presented to the Council
recently, instead of the TC. ITD was not asking the City’s permission, rather, they were providing
a courtesy notification of what they intended and did by closing off access to Village Drive from the
southbound center turn lane. Caleb suggested that if further details were desired by the TC, that
the Council meetings are recorded and available for viewing. A traffic signal is still being discussed
with developer of The Village and ITD for the area. Additional details/data can be found in the
packet as to why ITD made the decision. Discussion and comments from the Commissioners
occurred about process and roles of the TC. Mr. Hood stood for additional questions and answers.
c. ACHD Scoping Report Review (memo attached; C. Hood)
Mr. Hood directed the attention of the Commission to page 16 of the packet and provided a brief
review. ACHD compiles the feedback from each agency/stakeholder and then does a review with
other ACHD departments, i.e. Storm Water, Right of Way, to determine feasibility and initial
scoping of the project, and in some cases includes preliminary cost estimates. Once ACHD has
done the scoping they’ll determine if the project is a “go or no-go” and should move forward for
prioritization and incorporated into the ACHD integrated five-year work plan. Mr. Hood reminded
the Commission that ACHD’s five-year work plan was approved on October 26th and the
documents included in the packet to the Commission are the initial draft proposal. ACHD is
requesting that the Commission review this initial Scoping summary information for accuracy. A
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thorough discussion occurred regarding the draft information and several of the projects contained
in the documents. Questions were asked, discussed and answered regarding how summary
descriptions were created (analysis vs standard statements), lane width for the Ten Mile Road
project, mid-block crosswalks, as well as what criteria are used to determine those locations, in
addition to projects being data driven and not just ‘wants’, etc.
The issue of ACHD standard street width of 11 feet was extensively discussed. Concerns from the
Commission were brought up regarding safety and truck traffic on the arterial routes that were
only planned for 11 feet. It was suggested that the Commission request ACHD consider 12 foot
lanes at the minimum, for all arterials in Meridian. Mr. Baird suggested continuing that discussion to
another date and that the Commission come to a consensus first on the projects at hand.
Commissioner Knezacek made a motion to ask ACHD if they can accommodate at least one 12-
foot wide lane in each direction for the Ten Mile project - second by Commissioner McGee – all
ayes - motion passed. Mr. Hood made two notations to provide feedback to ACHD regarding the
scoping report: 1) Margaret Avenue/Amity RRFB now, with plan to upgrade to HAWK with
roadway widening in the future, and 2) the 2 foot travel lane request for Ten Mile Road.
(Ex-Officio Member Morris arrived)
d. 2016 Transportation Commission Annual Report (memo attached; C. Hood)
Mr. Hood provided a brief update on the draft document provided in the packet. The draft report
was created using previous year’s templates, with updates that have occurred in 2016. It was sent
out to the Chair and Vice-Chair prior to being included in today’s packet. The TC’s Report is due
to the City Clerk by November 30th, which is prior to the next meeting. Mr. Hood requested the
Commission review and approve the draft so the Chair of Vice-Chair could present to City
Council in early 2017. Discussion occurred and concurrence of the draft report arrived, with a
suggestion to acknowledge former Commissioner’s McRoberts service.
e. Staff Communications (memo attached; C. Hood)
Mr. Hood provided a brief update which starts on page 26 of the packet. Rhonda Jalbert will rejoin
the Commission and Tod Morris will be her back-up from VRT.
6. Future Meeting Topics
Mr. Hood mentioned that, in accordance with the Scoping Report discussion, a future meeting
topic will be a discussion about the pros and cons to 12’ vs. 11’ travel lanes. It was also noted that
Commissioner Leisle will give the TC an update in December about his involvement with ACHD’s
Bicycle Advisory Committee (BAC).
a. Eagle Road Speed Limit Update
b. Meridian Road Speed Study
c. VRT Transit 101
d. US 20/26 Corridor Study
e. Master Mobility Map
6. Future Meeting Topics
Mr. Hood mentioned that, in accordance with the Scoping Report discussion, a future meeting
topic will be a discussion about the pros and cons to 12' vs. I I' travel lanes. It was also noted
that Commissioner Leisle will give the TC an update in December about his involvement with
ACHD's Bicycle Advisory Committee (BAC).
a. Eagle Road Speed Limit Update
b. Meridian Road Speed Study
c. VRT Transit 101
d. US 20/26 Corridor Study
e. Master Mobility Map
7. Next Meeting Date: December 51h, 2016
8. Adjourn
Motion by Commissioner Lewis and second by Commissioner Ballard to adjourn — all ayes
— motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 5:18 p.m.
(AUDIO RECORDING AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST)
APP ED:
TRACY HOPKINS, CHAI
ATTEST:
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C.JAY COLES, CITY CLERK
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5a. Transportation Projects Update
Memo
To: Meridian Transportation Commission
From: Caleb Hood, Planning Division Manager
Date: 12/1/2016
Re: December 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 December 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. Estimated cost is
$7.5M. Utility work is ongoing. Crews working on tree removals, clearing and grubbing.
Road closed November 12th – December 4th for pipe work.
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. Knife River is the contractor for this project. Work began
on September 26th and should be complete in November 2017. Contractor is currently
working on temporary pavement widening on the north side of the road. Crews working on
new signal at Meridian/Ustick. Irrigation and utility work is on-going.
Pine Ave, Meridian to Locust Grove: This project, to improve Pine between Meridian Road
and Locust Grove, is planned for construction in 2018/19 in the adopted 2017-2021 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
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re-built. Establishing a Cost Share Agreement with ACHD and a project agreement
between the City and MDC will need to occur.
E. 3rd Street Extension: When ACHD adopted the 2014-2018 Integrated Five Year Work
Plan, E. 3rd 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 ACHD 2017-2021 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
in the adopted IFYWP at a cost of $5.4M.
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. Construction is planned for 2020 to correspond with the
upgraded railroad crossing ITD plans to do that year. Cost of $2.8M.
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 $3.88M.
Linder Road, Cayuse Creek Drive to Chinden: Widen the remaining portions of Linder to 5
lanes with curb, gutter, sidewalk and bike lanes. Construction is planned for 2020 at a cost
of $1.45M.
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. This project is planned for construction in 2017 at a total cost of
$436K.
ACHD COMMUNITY PROGRAM PROJECTS
2017 Construction:
W. 1st, Broadway to Pine – Sidewalk for two blocks near Meridian Elementary. On
90-Day Bid List.
W. 4th, Broadway to Maple – Sidewalk on one side near Meridian Elementary. On
90-Day Bid List (December). Estimate $425K.
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 is under construction, with the work occurring at night. ITD is also adding right-turn lanes
at the intersections of Franklin Road, Pine Avenue, Fairview Avenue and at the entrances of
Lanark Drive and Presidential Drive. Construction should be complete late in the year.
US 20/26: On September 19th, the US 20/26 Task Force met. The next TF meeting will be
held on Monday, December 19th. ITD Board member Julie DeLorenzo has been invited to
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share her views on the corridor and what can and is being done to improve Chinden during
the meeting. A Strategic Initiatives Project to widen Chinden to 4-lanes between Locust
Grove and Eagle is in the draft ITIP for construction in 2021.
Interstate 84: ITD, with COMPASS assistance, is again applying for federa l FASTLANE
funds to help continue improvements to I-84. This funding request is for the Nampa
segment between Karcher Underpass and Franklin Boulevard. The most current
funding request 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.
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 $500,000 in FY18 and FY19 for pathway construction in the Regional
Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP).
MDC / OTHER PROJECTS
Transit: A public transit service focusing on seniors and persons with disabilities has been
developed. This Lifestyle Service concept, which includes two service zones, was
presented to the Council in July. The Council agreed to help with start-up costs and try the
service for FY17. The service is anticipated to begin in December 2016.
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. The Master License Agreement
between the City and ACHD was executed the week of April 25th allowing parklets.
Transportation Alternative Program (TAP): Potential TAP projects were discussed with the
TC previously. During the August meeting, the TC received a list of potential TAP
application projects.
Eagle Road Adaptive Traffic Signals: In 2018, ACHD and ITD plan to upgrade 14 signals
along the Eagle Road corridor, between Overland and Chinden, to adaptive traffic signals.
This is a $490,000 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 prepared.
ACHD 2017-2021 IFYWP: On Wednesday, October 26th, the ACHD Commission approved
the 2017-2021 IFYWP. The IFYWP can be found here:
http://achdidaho.org/Departments/PP/5Year.aspx
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6b. Eagle Road
Memo
To: Meridian Transportation Commission
From: Caleb Hood, Planning Division Manager
Date: 12/1/2016
Re: Eagle Road Speed Limits, Access and Striping Changes near Village Drive and River Valley
Street
This item was continued from the October meeting to the November meeting so Erika
Bowen, ITD District 3 Traffic Engineer could present. Unfortunately, Erika was not available
for the November meeting to explain some recent changes ITD made regarding access and
striping patterns on Eagle Road, north of Fairview Avenue and south of Ustick Road and
further previous discussions about potential speed limit changes on the highway. City Staff
summarized the changes made during the November meeting. Erika plans on attending the
Commission’s December meeting to elaborate.
Information below:
Eagle Road/Village Drive Crash and Volume Data (2)
Median Access Closure (2)
Restriping North of River Valley (2)
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6d. Staff Communications
Memo
To: Meridian Transportation Commission
From: Caleb Hood, Planning Division Manager
Date: 12/1/2016
Re: Staff Communications
On the following pages are relevant correspondences since the November meeting.
From: Amy Schroeder [mailto:Amy.Schroeder@itd.idaho.gov]
Sent: Wednesday, January 13, 2016 12:48 PM
To: socomdad@yahoo.com
Cc: Caleb Hood; Jennifer Gonzalez
Subject: FW: Intersection suggestion/complaint
Good afternoon Michael.
We hope you are enjoying all of the interstate expansion and interchange reconstruction we’ve been
able to complete recently, almost all of which was funded through the GARVEE Program.
The short answer to your question about the eastbound off -ramp right turn onto southbound Meridian
Road is that it’s a safety issue, particularly with dual right turn lanes.
During the design process, we completed a traffic model for the current (no right turns on red)
condition and also reviewed an option to allow right turns on red. While allowing right turns on red
works for the desktop traffic analysis, weaving is a concern at the eastbound off-ramp since many
vehicles want to cross the southbound lanes to turn left (east) at Overland Road.
The off-ramps were changed from single lanes to dual -right turn lanes to account for the additional
storage needed to accommodate for the stopped vehicles. Also, safety for pedestrians and bicyclists
was a consideration when making the decision to not allow right turns on red.
I hope this helps with the background and rationale behind the interchange configuration.
Amy Schroeder, P.E.
District Three Engineering Manager
Idaho Transportation Department
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Great, thanks Caleb. I’ve discussed these changes with our traffic and design folks, and we
will incorporate these into the scope.
Thanks,
David Corcoran, AICP
Senior Transportation Planner
Ada County Highway District
3775 Adams Street
Garden City, ID 83714
(208) 387-6252
www.achdidaho.org
From: Caleb Hood [mailto:chood@meridiancity.org]
Sent: Tuesday, November 08, 2016 5:02 PM
To: David Corcoran
Cc: Shawn Martin; Justin Lucas
Subject: RE: Preliminary Scopes for Meridian
David,
Thanks for sharing these preliminary scoping reports. The projects generally look to be in
alignment with what we were expecting. However, I do have two comments for you:
1) Regarding the Margaret Ave/Amity RRFB project, the scope statement says that the
RRFB will be placed in the final (ultimate) location for a five lane roadway. Wouldn’t
it make more sense to install the RRFB consistent with the 2 -lane road it is now, and
then remove the RRFB and install a HAWK signal when the roadway widening
occurs? I can’t think of too many RRFB’s you have on 5-lane roadways; a HAWK
signal seems to be a better ultimate treatment, no?
2) Regarding the Ten Mile, Ustick to McMillan project, the scope statement says that
11-foot wide lanes will be constructed. It sounds/reads like this area is constrained
by Idaho Power poles, but can ACHD accommodate at least one 12-foot wide travel
lane in each direction for this project? Ten Mile is almost a de-facto truck route and
allowing these larger vehicles (and others, like buses) a little extra room would be
appreciated.
Thanks again for sharing and considering the comments above. Let me know if you’d like to
discuss further.
Caleb
Caleb:
While it seems like we just wrapped up the previous plan, the time has come again to begin
the update to the ACHD Integrated Five-Year Work Plan. ACHD is once again seeking the
City’s input in the form of project priorities. The attached letter (original signed) an d
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materials were mailed out yesterday. We are requesting that all project requests be
submitted by March 17, 2017.
In order to assist in the process of developing and submitting requests, we are asking that
you use the attached Excel spreadsheet to prepare and submit your requests. Instructions
for how to use the form are included on the sheet. If adding new projects to the list, do not
worry about populating all the columns. Simply input your priority, a project name and
description and I will fill in the rest. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Additionally, in this workbook is found all other requests submitted during the 2016 request
cycle and the current status of each. We are providing these to facilitate any
coordination/cooperation on requests that you may like to do where your respective
boundaries may overlap.
You will also note in the kick-off letter that ACHD is once again accepting applications for
economic development program projects. This program is set-up to fund projects that do
not fit ACHD’s standard project programs, but that are expected to have an economic
benefit to an area. Please note, this is for new projects and those already funded in the
program do not need to be reapplied for.
I want to express my appreciation in advance for the work you put into this process each
year. I know it is not a simple process but it makes the development of the plan a very
meaningful and collaborative effort.
I am here to help wherever you need. Do not hesitate to ask.
Ryan Head, AICP
Planning Supervisor
Ada County Highway District
3775 Adams St
Garden City, ID 83714
(208) 387-6234
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