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2021-04-05 TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MEETING City Council Chambers, 33 East Broadway Avenue Meridian, Idaho Monday, April 05, 2021 at 3:30 PM All materials presented at public meetings become property of the City of Meridian. Anyone desiring accommodation for disabilities should contact the City Clerk's Office at 208-888-4433 at least 48 hours prior to the public meeting. Agenda VIRTUAL MEETING INSTRUCTIONS Limited seating is available at City Hall. Consider joining the meeting virtually: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81980576415 Or join by phone: 1-669-900-6833 Webinar ID: 819 8057 6415 ROLL-CALL ATTENDANCE _____ David Ballard _____ Luke Cavener, Ex-Officio _____ Zachary Shoemaker _____ Shawn Martin, Ex-Officio _____ Ryan Lancaster _____ Toni Tisdale, Ex-Officio _____ Walter Steed _____ Ian Updike, Ex-Officio _____ Tracy Hopkins _____ Alissa Taysom, Ex-Officio _____ Stephen Lewis _____ Justin Price, Ex-Officio _____ Jared Smith _____ Tom LeClaire _____ Joseph Leckie ADOPTION OF AGENDA APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. March 1, 2021 OLD BUSINESS [ACTION ITEM] 2. Transportation Projects Update - Miranda Carson NEW BUSINESS [ACTION ITEM] 1 3. Meridian Police Department Update - Sgt Brandon Frasier 4. Washington St, Meridian to Main Parking Complaint - Miranda Carson 5. Staff Communications - Miranda Carson 6. Prioritization Subcommittee Update - Jared Smith 7. Ordinance and Development Subcommittee Update - Tom LeClaire FUTURE MEETING TOPICS 8. Subcommittee Evaluation - May 9. ACHD Bike and Pedestrian Treatment 10. Comprehensive Plan and Master Mobility Map 11. Harvest Service Update NEXT MEETING - May 3, 2021 ADJOURNMENT 2 Meeting Minutes Meridian Transportation Commission February 1, 2021 Virtual Meeting Information https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87803346531 Or join by phone: Dial 669-900-6833 and enter Webinar ID: 87803346531 Roll Call (Meeting called to order at 3:30 p.m.; Zoom Meeting started and roll taken) x Walter Steed x Stephen Lewis (via-zoom) x Shawn Martin (ex-officio via Zoom) x David Ballard (arrived late 3:32) x Jared Smith (via-zoom 3:37) x Toni Tisdale (ex-officio-via Zoom) x Ryan Lancaster (via zoom) x Zachary Shoemaker (via- zoom) x Ian Updike (ex-officio-via zoom) x Tom LeClaire (via-zoom) x Joseph Leckie (via-zoom) x Alissa Taysom (ex-officio via Zoom) x Tracy Hopkins (via-zoom) x Luke Cavener (ex-officio via zoom-arrived late 3:37) x Justin Price (ex-officio via zoom-late 3:37) Others Present: Kristy Inselman (zoom), Lindsey Bowshier (zoom), Edinson Bautista (zoom), Sgt. B Frasier (zoom), E. Kane (zoom), T. Baird (zoom), C. Hood (zoom), and M. Carson (chambers) Adoption of the Agenda Chairman Steed noted there were no changes to the agenda and called for a motion to adopt. Commissioner Hopkins motioned to adopt as written; second by Commissioner LeClaire - all- ayes – motion carried. Approval of Minutes 1. February 1st, 2021 Chairman Steed called for any comments or edits to the February 1, 2021 minutes. A question was asked/answered regarding a tally of the comments for/against the proposed UTV/ATV ordinance. Noted corrections are: Commissioner Ballard was present at the February meeting, and on page 2 Chairman Steed introduced Sgt. Fraiser not Sgt. Arnold. With the noted changes Chairman Steed called for a motion to approve the February 1, 2021 minutes. A motion by Commissioner Ballard was made to approve with the noted corrections; second by Commissioner Hopkins - all ayes-motion passed. 3 Item 1. Old Business Items 2. 2020 Report to Council (W. Steed) Chairman Steed provided a brief update on the presentation he made to the City Council and that he shared the round-about presentation that Commissioner Lancaster had previously presented to the Commission. Chairman Steed shared the thanks and appreciation to the Commission for their dedication, passion for transportation and desire for increased involvement to serve the community from Council President Bernt. 3. Ordinance & Development Subcommittee Update (T. LeClaire) Commissioner LeClaire noted that the subcommittee met twice in February. The subcommittee reviewed the feedback that was received after the first draft of the ordinance presented at the February meeting. Based off the feedback received, the subcommittee met and diligently worked to come up with a revised ordinance, that addressed the concerns of the public and provide the needed support for MPD to enforce any approved ordinance. Commission LeClaire noted that the revise ordinance is in the packet and is asking the Commission to consider this second draft for consideration for recommendation to City Council. Commissioner LeClaire provided some clarifying comments regarding the definitions used and the streets of concern noted in the revised proposed ordinance. Commissioner LeClaire also noted that MPD felt the revisions were suitable to support their ability to enforce the ordinance if approved. Chairman Steed offered Ms. Kane and Sgt. Fraiser the opportunity to comment, prior to general discussion, which took place. Chairman Steed opened the topic for discussion and Commissioner LeClaire stood for questions, which took place. Commissioner LeClaire motioned to postpone consideration of the draft proposal and hold this topic to be discussed under old business at the April 5th meeting and decide at the April meeting what action should be taken (forward to City Council, kill the proposed ordinance, or conduct another hearing); second by Commissioner Lancaster – discussion took place and a vote was called for – 8-ayes, 1 nay – motion passed. 4. Transportation Prioritization Sub Committee Next Steps (J. Smith) Commissioner Smith will be the Chair for the Transportation Prioritization subcommittee, but at this time there is no update to provided. The subcommittee will meet in March and provide an update in April. Chairman Steed asked Ms. Carson to keep this item on next month’s agenda. Chairman Steed also noted that ACHD invited Valley Regional Transit to provide prioritization input for projects. VRT met this morning and covers many jurisdictions, there is currently only one project in Meridian on their list and Chairman Steed can provide the list if anyone is interested in reviewing it. 5. Transportation Projects Update (M. Carson) 4 Item 1. Ms. Carson addressed the Commission and noted that all new items are in bold. Ms. Carson will not review all items but will highlight a few notable updates and will stand for questions at the end. Ms. Carson directed the Commission to page 16 of the packet and began with an update on the Integrated Five-Year Work Plan (IFYWP). The Council reviewed the proposed priorities recommendations and sent off to ACHD with minor revisions. The document can be found here: https://www.achdidaho.org/Departments/PlansProjects/IFYWP.aspx. Ms. Carson moved onto the Eagle Road, Amity to Victory and roundabout at Amity and updated that ACHD will include ‘shark-teeth’ striping along with additional signage at the Rome Dr. crossing. ACHD will reach out to the Tuscany HOA to discuss options to improve visibility obstructions. Ms. Carson then noted that construction began in February at the Ten Mile/Amity Intersection and the installation of an interim traffic signal at Ustick and Black Cat. Next month Ms. Carson will add the McMillan and Black Cat which will be getting a signal as well. Ms. Carson highlighted the Ten Mile, Victory to Overland and that the bike facility is changing to sidewalk level bike lanes behind the back of the curb. Moving onto the Fairview, Locust Grove to Eagle & Locust Grove Signal on page 18, design discussions are still occurring and ACHD has hired a consultant to assist in the design process for bike crossings. Ms. Carson wanted to highlight the Amity Road and Locust Grove Road interim signal and the estimated lifespan of the interim intersection improvement is expected to be 10 years. No sidewalk or ADA improvements are planned in that project. Ms. Carson is happy to take any feedback or concerns on this topic, now or offline, back to the committee. Ms. Carson moved into the ITD projects updates on page 19, to conclude her update. ITD is getting their designs ready for HW16 and you can find that information on their website at: www.ITDprojects.org/ChindenWest Ms. Carson stood for questions, which took place. New Business Items 6. ACHD South Meridian Neighborhood Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Introduction (Edinson Bautista) Chairman Steed set the stage for this topic by introducing Edison Bautista from ACHD and his presentation on the South Meridian Neighborhood Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. Mr. Bautista provided a brief overview of the plan and process used to develop it. The Neighborhood Plan is a tool developed to identify community priorities for future bicycle and pedestrian projects with a specific area. Mr. Bautista shared the planning timeline progressing through 2022. Mr. Bautista then shared the area which is considered the South Meridian Planning Area south of I-84. 5 Item 1. The objective of the plan is to:  Map the biking and walking destinations in South Meridian  Identify transit, biking and walking facilities  Gather a general consensus of current conditions that is easy to use and accessible to both the public and ACHD  Clearly define prioritized and ranked project  Identify gaps in the sidewalk and bicycle network As standard operating procedure ACHD will conduct robust community outreach in two phases to understand: 1. Student routes to/from school and their recommendations for improvements 2. Public involvement meetings to understand the needs/wants of the general public for the specific planning area(s) Mr. Bautista concluded with the timeline of next steps and stood for questions. No comments or questions took place. Chairman Steed thanked Mr. Bautista and moved onto item 7 of the agenda. 7. Downtown Alleyways (Lindsey Bowshier/Nick Grove) Ms. Bowshier shared her presentation and recapped the topic and provided an update on the additional research since her last presentation. Ms. Bowshier presented the feedback that’s been gathered from the stakeholders as part of the Meridian Downtown Business Association (MDBA) as it relates to alleyways. Ms. Bowshier reviewed the Vision and Mission Statement of MDBA. One of the hot topics of discussion at the MDBA is activating alleyways. The general feedback since the last update is not as robust as hoped for due to low overall response and participation with the downtown business due to COVID related circumstances (limited hours of operation and personnel out of office). However, most of the comments focused on the need for better signage and enforcement and that one-ways are not being obeyed. Art and activation for one-way alleyways is generally supported from the feedback received. The idea of one-way alleyways was supported for those that are already designated as one-way. For those that are two-directional and/or unsinged, most commenters did not think designating it as one-way would be helpful. Ms. Bowshier then reviewed current uses:  Delivery Trucks (majority)  Employee Parking  Light pedestrian parking (in frequent) 6 Item 1. Ms. Bowshier concluded by reviewing the one recommendation on alley activation on Pine & Idaho and 2nd street exiting through Generations parking lot. The Vault was recently approved for a grant for a courtyard project and this would be a prime candidate for a one-way alley project. One next step that came out of this analysis is a need for a process or additional education for requesting signage when opportunities and/or challenges arise where Downtown stakeholders need action or support with activating an alleyway for increased pedestrian use. Ms. Bowshier requested that the Transportation Commission advise MDBA on how to advise stakeholders on getting assistance when issues or opportunities arise. Ms. Bowshier’s presentation can be found at the below link. Ms. Bowshier stood for questions which took place along with general Commission discussion on this topic. https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ObnkI-PS1qP7lnzrduxbI4Wn7yBxWmMz9d9NOehvjGk/edit?usp=sharing 8. Meridian Police Department Update (Sgt. B. Frasier) Sgt. Frasier provided a few brief updates:  The OHS/ITD aggressive driving campaign has concluded  Next month MPD will conduct an in-house traffic enforcement mobilization for cell phone usage  A brief update was provided on the traffic fatality at Meridian & Calderwood Sgt. Frasier stood for questions, none took place. Ms. Carson noted that the Meridian & Calderwood issue may need to be reviewed as a future meeting topic. 9. Zach Shoemaker’s Nomination to Ordinance & Development Subcommittee (W. Steed) Chairman Steed recapped that he reached out to Commissioner Shoemaker and requested he join one of the subcommittees. Commissioner Shoemaker agreed and requested to be part of the Ordinance & Development Subcommittee. A motion was made by Commissioner Ballard to appoint Commissioner Shoemaker to the Ordinance & Development Subcommittee; second by Commissioner Lewis – all ayes – motion passed. 10. Staff Communications (M. Carson) Ms. Carson directed the Commission to page 20 of the packet and shared the three follow-up questions asked from Council to ACHD on the IFYWP and the corresponding responses in red from Kristy Inselman. Ms. Carson moved onto and gave a brief update on the Parks & Recreation Department’s thirteen (13) Priority Pathway projects for 2021. Ms. Carson briefly reviewed three (3) Senate Bills currently under consideration: 7 Item 1.  HB164 (UTVs/ATVs/Golf Carts), additional information can be found at: https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2021/legislation/H0164/  HB131(Allowing for Wider Sidewalks), additional information can be found at: https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2021/legislation/h0131/  HB1106 (Exempts ACHD from Local Land Use Plans and Ordinances) additional information can be found at: https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2021/legislation/S1106/ Ms. Carson concluded with a recap of the Ustick and Black Cat Interim Signal discussed earlier in the Transportation Projects Update and stood for questions, none took place. Chairman Steed closed the item and opened the floor for any other discussion, none took place. Chairman Steed moved on to the Future Meeting Topics and encouraged the Commissioners to review. Future Meeting Topics 11. SH69 at Calderwood 12. Comprehensive Plan and Master Mobility 13. ATV/UTV subcommittee update 14. Harvest Service Update 15. Downtown Alleyways 16. Prioritization Update 17. Main/King Crosswalk 18. Pine/Idaho Alley Plan Next Meeting Date: April 5, 2021 Adjourn Chairman Steed asked for a motion to adjourn, which was made by Commissioner Ballard; second by Commissioner Lewis. Meeting adjourned at 5:19. (AUDIO RECORDING AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST) APPROVED: _______________________ _______________ WALTER STEED, CHAIR DATE ATTEST: ________________________ _______________ CHRIS JOHNSON (City Clerk) DATE 8 Item 1. MEMO TO TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION Agenda Topic on the Transportation Commission Agenda From: Miranda Carson, Coordination Planner Meeting Date: April 5, 2021 Presenter: Miranda Carson Estimated Time: 5 minutes Topic: 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 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: ACHD Integrated Five-Year Work Program: The City has submitted our priority project lists for potential inclusion in ACHD’s 2022-2026 IFYWP which should be adopted in the summer. The 2021-2025 IFYWP was adopted by the ACHD commission on September 23rd, 2020 and can be found here: https://www.achdidaho.org/Departments/PlansProjects/IFYWP.aspx City Staff Contact: Miranda Carson, Community Development Linder, Overland to Franklin: Widen Linder Rd to 5 lanes with curb, gutter, sidewalk and a Level 3 bike facility from Overland Rd to Franklin Rd as per the 2020 CIP and the Bike Master Plan. Project includes a new 4-lane I-84 overpass. Joint project between ACHD and ITD. This project is listed as future in the adopted IFYWP. After a joint ACHD Commission and City Council meeting on October 22nd, a joint letter of support was sent to the Idaho Transportation Board requesting this project be added to the STIP. This project was also recently submitted to COMPASS for the FY21-25 Project Development Grant for $25,000. City Staff Contact: Miranda Carson, Community Development Eagle Road, Amity to Victory and roundabout at Amity: Eagle Road from just south of Kingsbridge Drive to Amity Road is closed to allow for work on the Zaldia/Eagle roundabout. This closure will last 3 weeks, with an expected re -open date of April 20th. Detour routes are in place. Pedestrian crossing at Ten Mile Creek is functional. ACHD is now including shark teeth and additional signage in the design at Rome. City staff continue to advocate that the landscaping at Rome Dr. will create visibility issues. ACHD has not talked with Tuscany about possible efforts there to solve visibility obstructions as of yet; they plan to speak with them after other design/construction elements are complete. Widen Eagle to 5 lanes 9 Item 2. with curb, gutter, multi-use pathways. Includes a 2-lane roundabout with a slip lane at the northwest corner at Amity for southbound traffic turning west. Also includes enhanced crossings at the pedestrian pathway near the Ten Mile Feeder Canal, a pedestrian crossing on Rome Dr, and a roundabout at Zaldia Ln. Design will be done with in-house, ACHD resources. Construction is planned for 2021 in the IFYWP. NOTE: There is insufficient right-of-way on Amity west of Eagle to allow the striping of the bike lane on the north side of the road, so it will only be the two travel lanes westbound, the center turn lane, and one eastbound travel lane until ACHD can program a project there in the future and widen to the south. The west side of Eagle Road will be fully improved including a multi-use path. Here is the project website: http://achdidaho.org/Projects/proj_road_eagle -road-amity-road-to-victory-road.aspx City Staff Contact: Brian McClure, Community Development Ten Mile/Amity Intersection: The intersection will be closed beginning in early April for 60 days (until about early June). Local access on Amity Road and Ten Mile Road will be maintained up to homes and businesses but there will be no access thru the intersection. Detour routes are in place. Project was awarded to Central Paving; $1.997M, with an anticipated completion date in June 2021. Construct a multi-lane roundabout at Ten Mile Rd and Amity Rd as per the 2020 CIP. Project includes Ten Mile Bridge #1182. Here is the project website: http://achdidaho.org/Projects/proj_intersection_ten-mile-road-and-amity-road-roundabout.aspx Ustick/Black Cat Intersection: Project is on the April 90 day bid list with a notice to proceed date of May 2021. Install an interim traffic signal at the intersection of Ustick Rd and Black Cat Rd. 95% design was completed February 2021. Construction is scheduled in 2021 in the IFYWP. Ultimately the intersection is planned to have a dual lane roundabout in accordance with the 2016 CIP. McMillan/Black Cat Intersection: Signalize and expand the McMillan Road and Black Cat Road Intersection to a 3x3 configuration. Pedestrian facilities will be added at the intersection in the form of ADA-compliant ramps and signal infrastructure; no additional sidewalk will be constructed beyond what is needed for the pedestrian ramps. The new traffic signal at the intersection will accommodate the 3x3 configuration with flashing yellow arrow capability for the left-turn movements if desired. This project is currently programmed for ROW in FY 2021 and construction in FY 2022. 8th St at Meridian Middle: Project has been bid with two other pedestrian crossing projects. Construction is scheduled to start on June 7, 2021. Install enhanced pedestrian crossings at NW 8th St and Meridian Middle School. This project was on the December 90 day bid list with Notice to Proceed in June 2021. Locust Grove Road, Victory to Overland: Notice to proceed has been issued for December 2021. Widen Locust Grove to 5 lanes with curb, gutter, sidewalk and Level 2 bike facility. Design is planned for 2019, right-of-way in 2020-2021 and construction in 2022 in the IFYWP with a cost of $4.07M. PIM held 9/10/2019. Here is the project website: http://achdidaho.org/Projects/proj_road_locust-grove-victory-to-overland.aspx City Staff Contact: Brian McClure, Community Development 10 Item 2. Victory/Locust Grove Roundabout: Notice to proceed has been issued for December 2021. Construct a multi-lane roundabout. Designed in 2019, right-of-way acquisition in 2020-2021, and construction is planned for 2022-2023 in the adopted IFYWP with a cost of $4.1M. Projects includes replacement/widening of bridge #2116 over the Tenmile Creek on Victory Rd and connection on the north end of a sidewalk gap to the west. This project will be done with in - house design. Here is the project website: http://achdidaho.org/Projects/proj_road_locust-grove-victory-to-overland.aspx City Staff Contact: Brian McClure, Community Development Ten Mile Road, Victory to Overland and Ten Mile/Victory Roundabout: Design of bike facility is changing to sidewalk level bike lanes behind the back of curb (separate from the sidewalk). The sidewalk level bike lanes will continue on the south leg of the Ten Mile/Victory intersection. On the north side of the east leg and both sides of the west leg, ACHD is considering bike lane and sidewalk be replaced with a 10’ pathway with 3’ stamped concrete buffer. Notice to proceed has been issued for November 2021. Widen Ten Mile to 5 -lanes with curb, gutter, sidewalk and a Level 3 bike facility. In the IFYWP, this project was designed in 2019, right -of-way in 2020-2021, and construction in 2022-2023 at a cost of $3.9M. Here is the project website: http://achdidaho.org/Projects/proj_road_ten-mile-victory-to-overland.aspx City Staff Contact: Brian McClure, Community Development Eagle Road, Lake Hazel to Amity: After a traffic analysis to evaluate multiple alternatives and determine the appropriate design for the intersection reconstruction a multi-lane roundabout, design concepts will process with a multi-lane roundabout. Two intersection alternatives were evaluated with 2043 (design year) traffic conditions, a multi-lane roundabout and a conventional traffic signal. Project kick off meeting was held January 27th. The level 3 facility will likely be upgraded for a full 10’ multi-use pathway. Design has begun with a scope of work. Widen Eagle to 5 lanes with curb, gutter, sidewalk and Level 3 bike facility. Includes a roundabout at Eagle Rd and Taconic Dr. ROW is programmed in FY 2022. Construction is planned for 2023 in the adopted IFYWP with a cost of $3.4M. City Staff Contact: Miranda Carson, Community Development Lake Hazel and Eagle Signal: Notice to proceed has been issued for January 2023. Widen and signalize intersection to 4/5 lanes on Eagle and 3/4 lanes on Lake Hazel. Design is happening this calendar year, right-of-way in 2021-2022, and construction in 2022 in the IFYWP. Design details are on the project webpage. Here is a link to the project website: http://achdidaho.org/Projects/proj_intersection_lake-hazel-and-eagle.aspx City Staff Contact: Brian McClure, Community Development Fairview, Locust Grove to Eagle & Locust Grove Signal: 75% design review meeting was held February 9th. Bike lane treatment is an ongoing discussion; asphalt, concrete, and permeable materials and marking patterns are being considered. ACHD has a consultant that will be providing recommendations for how to handle bike crossings. Bike lane will likely be separated and elevated from the vehicle travel lanes. ACHD is planning to replace existing walks, to address ADA issues, but keep detached where possible in same locations to the degree possible. ACHD is not planning a crossing at Fairview and Stonehenge, with the reason cited being safety concerns. A Z-crossing just west of Fairview/Webb is being considered. There is a landscape island in Hickory Way (north leg) which may be removed to have an additional lane out to Fairview. VRT has requested consideration of a future bus stop on Fairview on the far 11 Item 2. side of Hickory Way. Widen intersection to 9 lanes on Fairview and 7 lanes on Locust Grove. Widen Fairview to 7 lanes with curb, gutter, sidewalk and Level 3 bike facility. Design in 2020 - 2021, right-of-way acquisition in 2021-22, and construction in 2023 in adopted IFYWP with a cost of $4.26M. There will likely be a virtual open house around March 2021 before 95% design is complete, and construction may be delayed to 2024. Additional business outreach is planned as well. Here is a link to the project website: https://www.achdidaho.org/Projects/proj_road_fairview-avenue-locust-grove-road-to-eagle- road.aspx City Staff Contact: Caleb Hood, Community Development Amity Rd and Locust Grove Rd Interim Signal: A project kick-off meeting was held January 2021. This project is to design roadway widening to accommodate left turn lanes on all four legs of the Amity Rd and Locust Grove Rd intersection and to design an interim traffic signal. Left turn storage lengths will be 150 feet plus 100-foot openings. Taper lengths will vary depending on posted speeds of each leg and if widening will occur all to one side or equally on both sides (still to be determined). There are no sidewalk or ADA improvements with this project. Estimated lifespan of the interim intersection improvements expected to be 10 -years. Lake Hazel Road, Eagle to Cloverdale: Widen Lake Hazel to 5 lanes with curb, gutter, and Level 3 bike facility. Design will be done in 2022. Construction is planned for 2024 i n the adopted IFYWP with a total cost of $2.3M. Overland/Eagle Signal: Widen intersection to 7 lanes on Eagle and 9 on Overland. Project to be done in coordination with ITD. Design is indicated for 2025 in the IFYWP. All phases shown as Unfunded in the IFYWP at a cost of $8.16M. FY20 Capital Maintenance, Phase 1: Locust Grove, Ustick to McMillan milling and paving is scheduled to begin the week of March 29th. ITD PROJECTS ChindenWest Corridor: This project will result in 4 travel lanes (two in each direction). Widening will take place to the south of the existing alignment and be constructed to accommodate future widening to 6 travel lanes (three in each direction) with high capacity intersections at roads with river crossings. Project website: www.ITDprojects.org/ChindenWest ID-16 to Linder: The widening of this section of Chinden Boulevard is complete. The new roadway includes four 12-foot travel lanes, two in each direction, and a detached 10 -foot pathway to the south for bicyclists and pedestrians. Locust Grove Road to Eagle Road: Four lanes opened December 2020. These changes come with new turning movements out of the Banbury and Bristol Heights neighborhoods. Linder Road to Locust Grove Road: Crews are completing the earthwork to build up the road base on the Linder Road through Meridian Road section. After that, they will place a layer of asphalt pavement from the east end of the project to the west end. Traffic will be moved to this fresh pavement and the existing lanes will receive a fresh overlay to create a uniform driving surface. A ten-foot separated pathway will be constructed on the south side of the highway. A sound wall will also be constructed next to the pathway 12 Item 2. between Fox Run Way and Meridian Road. Irrigation work on the Meridian Road to Locust Grove Road section will be completed before irrigation water is turned on this spring. The Linder through Meridian project is anticipated to be complete early this summer. Star Road to ID-16: Construction is planned for 2023. City Staff Contact: Caleb Hood, Community Development Idaho Highway 16 extension, U.S. 20/26 to I -84: ITD is preparing design plans now for an “interim” phase. Details will be posted later this year. Visioning and phasing documents have been posted to the project website. The Idaho 16 project will be completed in phases between now and 2045. ITD is in the process of acquiring property now and anticipates this will continue through 2021. ITD is investigating funding sources and options for construction. The Idaho Transportation Board has allocated nearly $90 million to acquire right -of-way for the future highway. The remaining cost to design and construct the corridor is estimated to be $350 million (in 2019 dollars). Project website: www.ITDprojects.org/Idaho16 SH-69, Kuna to Meridian Traffic Study: ITD has completed enough technical evaluation to now present a proposal to the public. ITD hosted an online public eng agement in the summer to solicit feedback on the work to date. ITD will consider the feedback and make appropriate updates to the plan before presenting the plan for concurrence to the Cities of Meridian and Kuna and ACHD. A project team meeting was held on January 12, 2021. Grade-separated intersection evaluation at Overland Road and SH-69 is being evaluated. The proposed at-grade partial CFI will be evaluated that may better balance mobility and access. Concept layouts will be created for display purposed and planning-level cost estimates. Planning-level roadway section will be developed and a drainage analysis will be conducted to determine the approximate right-of-way needed on SH-69. High-level proposed vision exhibits for the length of the corridor will be developed to assist agencies with discussions with developers. The exhibits will include cross-sections, one-mile and half-mile intersections, median U-turn locations, and property setbacks. Exhibits will not include individual parcel access. The next steps to finalize the project are: Conduct supplemental analysis and further refine the corridor vision; compile draft report; present study findings to Meridian Transportation Commission, city councils and ACHD commission; and compile final report. Concept plans are scheduled to be complete Summer 2021. Here is a link to the project website: https://itdprojects.org/projects/id69corridor/ 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 funds for pathway construction in the Regional Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) in 2022. Nine Mile Creek, Linder to Meridian: The path is proposed to run from Linder to Meridian along the Nine Mile Creek drain just north of the railroad. City Parks Department is working with a consultant to negotiate easements for four (4) parcels from Linder to 8 th St. The City currently has obtained all but one required easement from 8th to 3rd. We are currently pursuing acquisition 13 Item 2. of easements from 8th Street west to Linder, and from 3rd Street to Meridian Road as a future phase of this project. Five Mile Creek Pathway: The City applied for a COMPASS grant to design and construct a portion of the Five Mile Creek pathway near the Wastewater Resource Recovery Center (WWRRC). The City informed COMPASS that we will pursue completion of this project wi th local funds instead of Federal. There has been purchase and development action on the properties north of Five Mile Creek, west of the WWRRC. Additionally, ACHD has purchased a parcel to the south of the WWRRC. It appears that the bulk of this pathway will be constructed by these new owners as a condition of development. The City plans to invest in pedestrian crossings of the Nine Mile and Five Mile Drains to skirt the WWRRC and achieve continuity with existing McNelis Pathway along the Five Mile Drain. South Meridian Neighborhood Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan: ACHD and several partners including the City have been working on developing a plan to help improve walking and bicycling routes in South Meridian neighborhoods. This plan is complementary to the City’s Pathways Plan with more of an emphasis on on-street bike facilities. ACHD is seeking feedback here: https://communityremarks.com/southmeridian/ Here is a link to the project site: http://www.achdidaho.org/Projects/proj_program_south-meridian- neighborhood-bicycle-and-pedestrian-plan.aspx City Staff Contact: Miranda Carson, Community Development MDC / OTHER PROJECTS 2nd Street, Idaho to Broadway: The vision for 2nd street was presented to stakeholders and the ACHD commission in separate meetings in January. Discussions are beginning on how to make 2nd Street in Downtown Meridian a community place. This project will be done in coordination with the Civic Block redevelopment. City Staff Contact: Miranda Carson, Community Development Harvest Lifestyle Service: A public transit service focusing on seniors and persons with disabilities has been operating since December 2016. This Lifestyle Service concept, which includes two service zones, was presented to the Council in July of 2016. The service is operated by Harvest Church. An enhancement to the City Budget for FY2019 was approved by the Council for a third Harvest van. The third van is operational. City Staff Contact: Miranda Carson, Community Development Transit: VRT has won a grant for electric buses. Staff from the City and VRT are coordinating infrastructure, capital and service needs for a route from the Ten Mile Interchange area through downtown to The Village. The launch will likely be delayed closer to October 2021. The TC will be actively involved in developing outreach plan, stops/alignment, and other service considerations (i.e. – time of day operation, amenities/shelters, etc.) (This route is part of the ValleyConnect 2.0 plan.) City Staff Contact: Miranda Carson, Community Development Ada County Transportation Action Plan: Ada County, working with consultant Kittelson & Associates, is kicking off the development of the Ada County Transportation Action Plan (TAP). The purpose of the TAP is for Ada County to identify a broad set of transportation policies, goals, 14 Item 2. and strategies for the unincorporated parts of Ada County. This project is in the earliest stage, and the City has been invited to participate in the process. 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. Shared Vehicles: The City does not currently have an RFP out. Meridian Downtown Business Association (MDBA) will monitor the climate and recommend back to the City when they believe micro mobility is appropriate. Bird has expressed an interest in opening operations in Meridian in 2021. CD staff suggested they speak with MDBA to gauge further interest. 15 Item 2. MEMO TO TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION Agenda Topic on the Transportation Commission Agenda From: Miranda Carson, Coordination Planner Meeting Date: April 5, 2021 Presenter: Miranda Carson Estimated Time: 10 minutes Topic: Washington St, Meridian to Main Parking Complaint The intent of this agenda item is to share a citizen complaint. There is a resident on Washington, Meridian to Main with concern that Downtown employees are parking on the street for extended periods of time blocking neighbors. Background: Initially “Residential Only” parking signage was requested. The City of Meridian does not currently have any residential parking system in place. With neighborhoods that have faced similar issues in the past, we have explored time restrictions. Typically, this would entail signage that prohibits parking during certain hours in the day. The current streets with posted time restrictions in the Downtown corridor are geared toward the commercial purpose of bringing people through the city and rotating customers through businesses. This section of Washington Ave is primarily residential. ACHD has expressed concerns with “Residential Only” parking. They are willing to explore time restricted parking with Meridian Police Department (MPD) support and a petition signed by at least 75% (8 of the 10) of the property owners affected. MPD Code Enforcement Supervisor Lacey Ooi and Sergeant Brandon Frasier have both expressed concern with time restrictions on this street segment. Timed parking enforcement is completed on foot and, due to capabilities, MPD currently does not enforce further north than Pine Ave except by complaint for these violations. Time restricted parking here would cre ate a gap in a logistic path to enforce as it is not adjacent any area that is currently part of the parking enforcement round. 16 Item 4. MEMO TO TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION Agenda Topic on the Transportation Commission Agenda From: Miranda Carson, Coordination Planner Meeting Date: April 5, 2021 Presenter: Miranda Carson Estimated Time: 10 minutes Topic: Staff Communications Below are summaries of relevant correspondences received by City Staff since the last TC meeting. COMPASS High-Capacity Transit Survey Results The initial results from the high-capacity transit survey were sent by Rachel Haukkala. Those can be found on the COMPASS website. Quantitative results: https://www.compassidaho.org/documents/prodserv/CIM2050/Input/AllAboardResults.pdf Open-ended comments: https://www.compassidaho.org/documents/prodserv/CIM2050/Input/All_Aboard_OpenEnd edComments.pdf 20/26 Chinden Engine Braking Complaint The following complaint was received on February 10, 2021 from Meridian resident Christopher Sommer: Sometime ago you passed an ordinance against compression brakes on 20/26. There was a sign that was installed just before N Tree Farm Way as you are traveling east bound on Chinden. That sign is no longer there. The residents living along Chinden in Spurwing would like to request that you re-install that sign along with several other along this east bound route in an effort to keep the truck noise down. Apparently truck drivers are oblivious (at all hours) to using their engines to slow their rigs and it's become a real issue. We appreciate someone looking into this and resolving the issue. Thank you for you help. After discussing with issue with Dave Miles and Caleb Hood, I reached out to Tyson McCoy at ITD on February 17, 2021. The following is his response on March 3, 2021: I’ve reached out HQ for additional input and will share if anything is different from what we have already communicated. Your questions and concerns from the City are valid. ITD receives similar complaints each year and communicates the same message back to citizens and entities alike. Below is a copy of your questions along with responses: 1. Is ITD planning to lead the efforts on these solutions? a. We need to better define the problem. If the issue is trucks using illegal, unmuffled brakes then it’s a question for law enforcement. If the issue is people moved next to a highway and now experience highway noise...I don’t know I have 17 Item 5. a solution for you. ITD cannot volunteer to lead these solutions without first identifying the problem and then allowing proper channels to function. i.e. Law Enforcement, Port-of-Entry, Local Jurisdiction efforts such as Town Hall Meetings, etc. 2. What efforts is ITD taking for community outreach/media campaigns to educate the public? a. See point above. 3. Are there partnerships with Chambers, Agencies, local trucking associations? a. ITD and ACHD sit on Chamber of Commerce Transportation Subcommittees and can share information there, if that’s deemed an appropriate route. Same goes for other government agencies or law enforcement. ITD has regular meetings with the Idaho Trucking Association and can share messages with them there too. Keep in mind, messages are pretty useless in creating change. Enforcement, or some other incentive, is what sees actual results. 4. Has ITD communicated with all local cities to let agencies know that these signs will be coming down? a. Not to my knowledge. ITD has adopted the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, with changes, that has the force and effect of law. Traffic control devices facing State and US routes are within the jurisdiction ITD. We work with local jurisdictions for requests and/or changes for example: school zones, new pedestrian crossings and speed limits, just to name a few but generally don’t seek concurrence for day to day operations. These operations are handled at a District level so efforts to make updates and changes will vary in timing from one District to another. Generally changes are made during new project development and maintenance. 5. Are they coming down proactively (early) due to legal challenge, or are they waiting until their lifespan is reached? a. To my knowledge, District 3 has not been legally challenged on this precise issue. District 3 will not proactively remove signing unless they conflict with another sign, become damaged/worn, or other cause such as new construction/roadway project. b. Would like to note and share: I’m aware of a similar local regulation that was posted along the State highway that gave legal argument which overturned an arrest and conviction. It was later, again, overturned by the Idaho Supreme Court, and the original conviction stuck. This is a costly legal endeavor. The lesson from this was that ITD needs to be uniform and deliberate about what signs it allows on the highway. Before granting a request I research existing laws, directives, and Federal interpretations along with other State decisions before making recommendation. Compression brake signing had already been removed from the Federal manual and the Idaho Traffic Manual based on the same interpretations. Early discussions were to consider “Unmuffled Compression Brakes Prohibited” however it was decided that repeating the law doesn’t need to be posted. I hope this helps. Thank you, Tyson McCoy I spoke with Tyson after receiving his email for further clarification: 18 Item 5. In sum: ITD has no solution to noise from legal trucks and noise from illegal trucks is up to local enforcement to address. There is no current community outreach effort, and it doesn’t seem they intend to do one at any point. ITD is not removing current signs “unless they conflict with another sign, become damaged/worn, or other cause such as new construction/roadway project.” His full response is attached. I did call Tyson as well to get clarification on the last point case example he gave. The example he gave was that a local ordinance (cell phone use in that case) was posted on a State road, and when the case went to the Idaho Supreme Court the court supported the local ordinance as valid. The question then becomes does ITD sign the local ordinances; if so the State police would be enforcing multiple different sets of rules. However in regards to compression brakes, there is federal code that already states that localities cannot make rules that are stricter on commercial vehicles. ITD also feels that we cannot tell commercial users that they can’t use a factory part in their vehicle. The noise issue usually comes from altered mufflers, and the federal rules already prohibit tampering with those parts. Modified mufflers are difficult to catch except at the weigh stations; and by Tysons perspective those mufflers are not typically checked at those locations. Vanderbilt and Lichfield 4-Way Stop Request The following inquiry was received on March 6, 2021 from Meridian resident Greg Agius: Road intersection question. The attached photo is from near my home at 5972 N Lichfield Ave, Meridian, ID 83646. Intersection is Vanderbilt and Lichfield in the Bainbridge community. Is it possible to push for a 4 way stop here? This is a walkway to the new Pleasant View Elementary School. My daughter takes it everyday. In photo 2, there is a path that leads to the back of the school. Dozens of kids cross this intersection. I agree its well marked for a crosswalk, but drivers often don't care. They speed through often well above 25. I watch this happen almost every day. Its especially dangerous when you have young kids on bikes riding through the intersection without really looking. Thanks for the consideration. 19 Item 5. ACHD sent Mr. Agius the following reply on March 9, 2021: Dear Mr. Agius, Thank you for contacting the Ada County Highway District. We recently conducted an investigation, at this intersection, for a similar request. I will first cover the results of the investigation and then the changes that were made. When considering the adding an All-Way Stop condition we need to weigh the positives against the negatives. For this location, the conditions don’t support the change to an All- Way Stop. The primary item for consideration is the traffic volumes of the intersection, or more importantly the differences between the two roadways. In this case, and with Vanderbilt being the primary roadway, we counted roughly five times as much traffic on Vanderbilt than we found on Lichfield Avenue. The guidance used is that we should have at least 40% of the traffic on lower volume roadways. Lichfield currently has only 23%. The two primary negatives that we see, with the change to an All-Way Stop where it is not warranted, is lack of compliance and increases in speed. First, a driver on the main road, who initially stops, and rarely encounters a vehicle on the minor roadway will be less likely to comply in the future and more likely to drive through the Stop Signs. This could lead to increased crashes, as the driver on the minor roadway assumes that the other driver will stop, and typically results in a serious crash. The second negative is that drivers on Vanderbilt, after complying with the Stop Sign, tend to increase their speeds in order to make up for the lost time. These are a couple of unintended consequences that we want to avoid. When the school first opened, this intersection did not include a marked crosswalk nor School Crossing Signs. Based upon the proximity to the school and the location of the pathway, this is something that should have been required. To remedy this situation, we added a marked crosswalk on the east side of Litchfield, as well as School Crossing signs. In my discussions with the West Ada School District, I recommended that they add an adult crossing guard, before and after school, to facilitate the students at this location. I thank you again for your question and concern for safety. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to give me a call or send me an e-mail. Sincerely, Kendall Kemmer, P.E. Assistant Traffic Engineer Main/King Crosswalk Update This item has been removed from Future Meeting topics. I requested an update on the issue on the issue on March 29, 2021: The Main/King crosswalk item has been on the TC agenda for a while. I know a little history on the issue. If I understand correctly the pedestrian safety concern was addressed with 20 Item 5. improved signage and markings. Is that correct? Are there any “next steps” or further evaluations that need to be done on the issue from your perspective? The following update was received from Shawn Martin at ACHD on March 29, 2021: The next step is to install an enhanced crossing. It is currently in our 5YWP for design in FY24 and construction in FY25. I don’t think there is anything the Transportation Commission needs to do. I don’t remember where it is on the City’s request list but I think it was in your top 10 in order to gain the extra points. South Meridian Bike and Pedestrian Plan Call for Comments The Ada County Highway District (ACHD) is working to develop a plan to help improve walking and bicycling routes in South Meridian neighborhoods. As part of this plan, we will be working with residents to identify ideas and concerns related to walking and biking in the community, as well as seeking input on the planned bike network identified for this area as part of ACHD's Roadways to Bikeway Master Plan. Get Involved! Help us identify the locations to improve walking and biking in your neighborhood. Learn more about this plan and take the survey online. If you would like printed materials mailed to you, please call 208-387-6100 | TTY: 1-800-377- 3529. More Information  Edinson Bautista, ACHD Senior Transportation Planner  208-387-6100 | TTY: 1-800-377-3529 21 Item 5.  projects@achdidaho.org Learn More To arrange for a translator or other accommodation, contact ACHD at (208) 387 -6100 | TTY: 1- 800-377-3529 | projects@achdidaho.org. Se les recomienda a las personas que necesiten un intérprete o arreglos especiales q ue llamen a la coordinadora de participación pública, al (208) 387-6100 | TTY: 1-800-377-3529 | projects@achdidaho.org Ada County Highway District | 208-387-6100 | www.achdidaho.org | projects@achdidaho.org Idaho Street Parking Lines The following inquiry was received on March 1, 2021 from Meridian resident Jennifer Hamilton: I am not sure where to send this email but I have been told by other people they have sent similar issues to this email and it got directed to the correct place. A few years ago the parking on Idaho Street was converted from horizontal to diagonal. This was a great improvement and allowed for significantly more vehicles. Since that time the diagonal lines have faded and are now lighter than the old horizontal lines. As you can imagine people do not know how to park on this street now. This morning already we have had 5 diagonal cars and 2 horizontal. 1 It looks ridiculous, 2 It never fails the horizontal parking people always stay most of the day taking up to 3 spots from other drivers and confusing the parking for the whole day. It is a mess. My request would be to see if we could get the diagonal lines repainted. If they were more evident than the other lines it would clear up the chaos on our street. The issue was referred to Meridian Development Corporation (MDC) as this street segment is in an urban renewal district. Ashley Squyres, MDC Administrator responded to the citizen on March 29, 2021: Good Morning, Jennifer: We have approved a contract with PC Maintenance to re-stripe a number of locations in downtown Meridian, including Idaho Avenue. Weather and temperature will be the determining factor and will likely occur in late April/early May. I have asked for several days’ notice to inform business owners once a date has been targeted by the contractor. Thank you for reaching out with your concern and I wanted to ensure you know action is being taken. Please don’t hesitate to follow up with any questions. My Best, Ashley 22 Item 5. MEMO TO TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION Agenda Topic on the Transportation Commission Agenda From: Miranda Carson, Coordination Planner Meeting Date: April 5, 2021 Presenter: Jared Smith, Subcommittee Chair Estimated Time: 10 minutes Topic: Prioritization Subcommittee Update Jared Smith will be giving a brief overview of the items discussed at the most recent Prioritization Subcommittee meeting. The meeting held March 24th at 2:00pm followed the agenda below. Agenda: I. Roll Call:  Jared Smith – Chair  Tracy Hopkins  Ryan Lancaster  Stephen Lewis  Miranda Carson II. Subcommittee Purpose: Develop a brief purpose statement. III. Next Steps IV. Next Meeting Date 23 Item 6. MEMO TO TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION Agenda Topic on the Transportation Commission Agenda From: Miranda Carson, Coordination Planner Meeting Date: April 5, 2021 Presenter: Tom LeClaire, Subcommittee Chair Estimated Time: 10 minutes Topic: Ordinance and Development Subcommittee Update Tom LeClaire will be giving a brief overview of the items discussed at the most recent Ordinance and Development Subcommittee meeting. The meeting held April 5th at 2:30pm followed the agenda below. Agenda: I. Roll: _ Tom LeClaire _ Jared Smith _ Walter Steed _ Emily Kane _ Brandon Frasier _ David Claiborne II. Approve Past Minutes _ February 19, 2021 III. All Terrain and Utility Terrain Vehicles (ATV/UTV) _ Discussion _ Legislative update _ Next Steps IV. Future Topics V. Next Meeting 24 Item 7.