2020-08-03Meeting Minutes
Meridian Transportation Commission
August 3, 2020
Virtual Meeting Information
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Roll Call
(Meeting called to order at 3:32 p.m.; Zoom Meeting started and roll taken)
X David Ballard
X David McKinney
_ (via -zoom)
X Ryan Lancaster
X Walter Steed
X Tracy Hopkins
X Stephen Lewis
X Jared Smith (via zoom)
X Tom LeClaire
X Joseph Leckie
X Luke Cavener (ex -officio
arrived late via Zoom)
X Shawn Martin (ex -officio
arrived late via Zoom)
X Toni Tisdale (ex -officio -via
Zoom)
X Ian Updike (ex -officio -via zoom)
X Alissa Taysom (ex -officio via
Zoom)
X Jayme Coonce for Justin
Price (ex -officio)
Others Present: Emily Kane, Sgt. Brandon Frasier, Miranda Carson, and Caleb Hood
Adoption of the Agenda
Chairman Ballard called for a motion to adopt the agenda. Commissioner Lancaster motioned
to adopt as written; second by Commissioner Hopkins - all -ayes — motion carried.
Approval of Minutes
1. July 6th, 2020
Chairman Ballard asked for any corrections to the July 6, 2020 minutes. A question was asked
by Commissioner Lewis regarding clarification on median damage in downtown by deliveries on
page 4 of the packet. No corrections were noted and Commissioner Lewis motioned to
approve; second by Commissioner Hopkins — all ayes - motion carried.
Old Business Items
2. Transportation Projects Update (Caleb Hood)
Prior to the Transportation Projects Update, Mr. Hood gave a brief introduction of Miranda
Carson who joined the City of Meridian Planning Department, as the Comprehensive Associate
Coordination Planner. Mr. Hood did a quick review of the projects, which begins on page 8 of
the packet, and highlighted noteworthy changes, but did not read all the updates. Mr. Hood is
happy to review any items. (Clarity of this part of the recording was unrecognizable so details
are limited in the minutes.)
Mr. Hood stood for question; none took place. Chairman Ballard thanked Miranda for attending
and welcomed her back, albeit in a different capacity.
3. Subcommittee update on the Future Role of the Transportation
Commission (Tom LeClaire)
Mr. LeClaire provided a brief update from the July 8 subcommittee meeting. The subcommittee
is recommending that instead of one subcommittee, that 3 -three member subcommittees be
formed to tackle three major areas of focus.
• Street Standards would evaluate street standards throughout the City including safe
routes to schools and major capital projects with ITD and ACRD.
• Ordinance Review would provide guidance on technical feedback and terminology
definition and clarification in the codes and laws.
Development Application Review would providing feedback to the Planning Department
on proposed development without slowing the process down.
It was also suggested that each of three subcommittees meet the hour prior to the monthly
Transportation Commission meeting at City Hall in a workshop environment. Timing and
logistical considerations for room locations still need to be determined.
Mr. LeClaire stood for questions. A robust discussion took place with the Commission and
advice from Counsel regarding the proposal from Mr. LeClaire and needed next steps. Mr.
Hood will follow-up with Legal Counsel on how to proceed on framework in forming the
proposed subcommittees.
New Business Items
4. Meridian Police Department Update (Sgt. Brandon Frasier)
Sgt. Frasier provided a brief update to the Commission that MPD is half -way through the
seatbelt enforcement effort. Meridian ranks in the greater than 90% of people that are wearing
seatbelts.
5. Golf Carts and All -Terrain Vehicles on Public Streets (Sgt. Brandon Frasier)
Mr. Hood introduced the topic by referencing the memo that he wrote and included in the
packet and provided a summary on the two areas within Meridian where golf carts are
currently allowed on roadways (one square mile bound by Cherry Lane, Ustick Road, Ten Mile
Road and Black Cat Road, and at the Touchmark retirement community). (Sgt. Frasier was
listed as the presenter of this item for his input/recommendations.) Mr. Hood also noted that
he has received three different emails from citizens regarding this topic. Mr. Hood
recommended that if the Commission wanted to suggest any action to City Council that they
discuss at this meeting while Sgt. Arnold was present. A lengthy robust discussion was had
regarding the below topics:
• The City Ordinance references only golf carts and not UTV/ATVs. The question was
raised if MPD was still supportive of this ordinance the way it is written. At the time
the City Ordinance was proposed there was some conflict with State Statute language,
so only golf carts was addressed in the City Ordinance.
• State law designates places you cannot ride UTVs, but local Law Enforcement is left to
interpret and enforce.
• Questions were raised and discussed about ACRD roads and the definition of
controlled access highways as it relates to golf -carts, UTVs/ATVs.
• Sgt. Frasier explained that this is not one issue but a is a fairly complex legal analysis of
several issues being merged together so MPD and the community know the terms and
conditions of where/when non -street legal compliant vehicles can operate.
• Another topic that was robustly discussed is the speed of the vehicle being driven and
how that relates to its use within a neighborhood or to the adjacent commercial
business, i.e. the gas station/mini-market, Dutch Bros. and being driven on Linder. Golf
carts are typically much slower than UTV/ATV and are not a street legal vehicle with
appropriate safety equipment, and are often times driven by unlicensed drivers.
• The discussion concluded with Sgt. Frasier outlining some options for further discussion
and information from partner agencies, including ACRD, ITD, as well as staff.
• Commissioner Lancaster suggested that this topic be one of the first items for the
subcommittees to address and bring back to the Commission to propose a
recommendation to Council on how to address this very complex issue.
• Mr. Hood commented by reading the by-laws for subcommittees and participation.
Additional discussion took place with advisement from Ms. Kane on further actions
prior to next meeting and how to proceed prior to the next Transportation
Commission meeting.
6. US 20/26 Cross -Section and Residential Noise Mitigation Request
(Prior to Mr. Walker's presentation Commissioner Lancaster recused himself from the
discussion.) Mr. Walker addressed the Commission on his concerns, as well as his neighbor Mr.
Harris for noise abatement on US 20/26 and it being out of compliance with City Ordinance.
Mr. Walker referenced the ITD sound study, where he lives, and that the noise levels are
excessive, yet the abatement barrier is not currently under construction. Mr. Walker is
inquiring when the required barrier will be built and/or when the City of Meridian will enforce
the City Ordinance. Jayme Coonce, the ITD Project Manager, attended and addressed
questions regarding ITD's role and responsibility regarding the sound wall.
Mr. Hood will do some additional research regarding the Bainbridge project, the city code, and
provide a staff analysis as it relates to the noise abatement barrier. Mr. Hood will work with
Mr. Walker to better understand the issue, and outline the options for resolution and work
with City Code Enforcement as necessary.
Chairman Ballard thanked Mr. Walker for his attendance.
7. Eagle, Amity to Victory Design
Steven Yearsley addressed the Commission on this topic and gave a brief summary on his
background. Mr. Yearsley is a Civil Engineer, who has sat on the Transportation Commission
and the Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission so he is very familiar with the process as it
relates to a design of a project, addressing community concern, and ultimate review & approval
of any community project.
Mr. Yearsley is part of the Tuscany HOA and thanked the Commission for allowing him to
address concerns regarding the multi -use pedestrian crossings on the Eagle Road project. Mr.
Yearsley recapped that ACRD held a public engagement meeting a few years back and
presented two proposals, which were in the packet and he reviewed with the Commission.
Questions of Mr. Yearsley were asked, and discussion took place amongst the Commission as
well as present staff. Staff expressed that concerns were raised to ACRD, through meetings
and written comments throughout the analysis/development process.
A motion at 5:28 to extend the meeting to 5:45 was made by Commissioner Lancaster; second
by Commissioner Hopkins — all ayes — motion passed and meeting time extended.
Further discussion took place and Mr. Yearsley requested that the Commission recommend
that a letter be sent from City Council to ACHD to reevaluate those crossings.
A motion by, Commissioner Lewis, requesting a letter be sent from City Council to ACHD to
re -look at the Pedestrian Crossing on the Eagle Road project; second by Commissioner
Hopkins - 5 ayes (Lewis, Hopkins, LeClair, Smith and Leckie) 4 nays (Lancaster, Ballard, Steed
and McKinney) - motion passed.
Business was not concluded and at 5:47 a motion from Commissioner Lewis to extend the
meeting to bpm was made; second by Commissioner LeClair — all ayes — motion passed and
meeting time was extended.
8. ACHD DRAFT 2021-2025 Integrated Five -Year Work Plan
Mr. Hood, as a time sensitive issue, noted that ACRD requested that comments be provided
by August 21S`for finalization by October I, 2020. In the interest of time, Mr. Hood offered his
comment that year over year there was nothing suspicious or unusual in the Integrated Five -
Year Work Plan (IFYWP), but he did want to daylight the issue of the Ten Mile corridor south
1-84 and the discussions he had with the Mayor.
A motion by Commissioner Lancaster was made to support the IFYWP as recommended,
second by Commissioner Lewis — 8 ayes, I — nay — motion carried.
9. September Meeting Status
Chairman Ballard opened the topic; discussion took place and it was decided that a normal
meeting on September 14, 2020 would take place, due to the Labor Day holiday.
10. Staff Communications (C. Hood)
Mr. Hood referenced the included staff communications memo and stood for any questions.
Discussion on the appointment to the ACRD Capital Improvement Citizen Advisory
Committee role that Chairman Ballard holds took place. Chairman Ballard apologized to the
City he has not had the time to devote to that group. Mr. Hood will put forth the names of, Mr.
Steed and Mr. LeClaire, to the Mayor, as potential replacements and asked both
Commissioner's for their resumes to provide with the nomination from the Mayor to ACRD.
Due to the expiration of the second extended meeting time, Future Meeting Topics were not
discussed and a call for adjournment was made.
Future Meeting Topics
11. Harvest Transit Service
12. Signs in City Ordinances
13. Downtown Alleyways (OCT)
14. The Comprehensive Plan and Master Mobility Map Components
15. Main/King Crosswalk
Next Meeting Date: September 14, 2020
Adjourn
A motion by Commissioner Lewis to adjourn; no second. Meeting adjourned at 6:02p.m.
(AUDIO RECORDING AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST)
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