2023-02-06
TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MEETING
City Council Chambers, 33 East Broadway Avenue Meridian, Idaho
Monday, February 06, 2023 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
To join the meeting online: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88163039405
Or join by phone: 1-669-900-6833
Webinar ID: 881 6303 9405
ROLL-CALL ATTENDANCE
_____ David Ballard _____ John Wasson, Ex-Officio - ACHD
_____ Zachary Shoemaker _____ Lila Klopfenstein, Ex-Officio - COMPASS
_____ Ryan Lancaster _____ David Reinhart, Ex-Officio - WASD
_____ Walter Steed _____ Alissa Taysom, Ex-Officio - VRT
_____ Tracy Hopkins _____ Justin Price, Ex-Officio - ITD
_____ Stephen Lewis
_____ Jared Smith
_____ Tom LeClaire
_____ Hoyoon Song
INTRODUCTIONS OF NEW EX-OFFICIO
ADOPTION OF AGENDA [ACTION ITEM]
APPROVAL OF MINUTES [ACTION ITEM]
1. January 9, 2023
OLD BUSINESS [ACTION ITEM]
2. Celebration Development Requests - J. Wasson
3. Transportation Projects Update - M. Carson
NEW BUSINESS [ACTION ITEM]
4. Ordinance and Development Subcommittee Report - T. LeClaire
5. Transportation Commission 2022 Report - W. Steed
6. Staff Communications - M. Carson
FUTURE MEETING TOPICS
7. Lost Rapids Citizen Requests
NEXT MEETING - March 6, 2023
ADJOURNMENT
TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MEETING
City Council Chambers, 33 East Broadway Avenue Meridian, Idaho
Monday, February 06, 2023 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
To join the meeting online: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88163039405
Or join by phone: 1-669-900-6833
Webinar ID: 881 6303 9405
ROLL-CALL ATTENDANCE
_____ David Ballard _____ John Wasson, Ex-Officio - ACHD
_____ Zachary Shoemaker _____ Lila Klopfenstein, Ex-Officio - COMPASS
_____ Ryan Lancaster _____ David Reinhart, Ex-Officio - WASD
_____ Walter Steed _____ Alissa Taysom, Ex-Officio - VRT
_____ Tracy Hopkins _____ Justin Price, Ex-Officio - ITD
_____ Stephen Lewis
_____ Jared Smith
_____ Tom LeClaire
_____ Hoyoon Song
INTRODUCTIONS OF NEW EX-OFFICIO
ADOPTION OF AGENDA [ACTION ITEM]
APPROVAL OF MINUTES [ACTION ITEM]
1. January 9, 2023
OLD BUSINESS [ACTION ITEM]
2. Celebration Development Requests - J. Wasson
3. Transportation Projects Update - M. Carson
NEW BUSINESS [ACTION ITEM]
1
4. Ordinance and Development Subcommittee Report - T. LeClaire
5. Transportation Commission 2022 Report - W. Steed
6. Staff Communications - M. Carson
FUTURE MEETING TOPICS
7. Lost Rapids Citizen Requests
NEXT MEETING - March 6, 2023
ADJOURNMENT
2
Meeting Minutes
Meridian Transportation Commission
January 9, 2023
Council Chambers – Meridian City Hall 33 East Broadway Ave., Meridian, Idaho
Virtual Meeting Information
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83136458810
Or join by phone: Dial 669-900-6833 and enter Webinar ID: 831 3645 8810
Roll Call
(Meeting called to order at 3:31 p.m.; YouTube started and roll taken)
x David Ballard x Stephen Lewis x Shawn Martin (ex-officio-
ACHD)
x Zachary Shoemaker x Jared Smith x Liisa Itkonen (ex-officio-
COMPASS)
x Ryan Lancaster x Tom LeClaire x RD Huntley (ex-officio-WASD)
o Walter Steed x Hoyoon Song x Alissa Taysom (ex-officio-VRT)
x Tracy Hopkins x Justin Price (ex-officio-ITD)
Others Present: M. Carson, T. Murray, R. Goodspeed
Officer Election
Commissioner Lewis nominates Commissioner Steed as Chair, Motion by Commissioner Lewis
Hopkins, 2nd by Commissioner Hopkins -All ayes; Passes
Commissioner Hopkins nominates Commissioner Smith, Motion by Commissioner Lewis, 2nd
by Hopkins -All ayes; Passes
Adoption of the Agenda
Motion by Commissioner Hopkins to adopt; 2nd by Commissioner Lewis - All ayes; Passes
Approval of Minutes
1. December 5, 2022
Motion by Commissioner Ballard to approve; 2nd by Commissioner Hopkins- All ayes; Passes
Old Business Items
2. Transportation Projects Update - M. Carson
Ms. Carson began with the Integrated five-year work plan update that she has met with the school
district and parks to coordinate.
Linder Rd, Overland to Franklin still at the 30% design phase, but are moving into the 75% design.
Some discussion regarding the retaining wall, and slope options for the bridge overpass, the South
side of the bridge will have slope infill on both sides, and some retaining wall for access to the
draining station. On the North side there will be full wall to preserve the trees, and pump station.
The project team is still looking into lane configurations at the major intersections.
3
Item 1.
Locust Grove Road, Victory to Overland, construction has begun, and is anticipated to be
completed in late fall.
Ms. Carson stood for questions, no further discussion.
3. IFYWP City Project Prioritization- M. Carson
Ms. Carson began with the Roads and Intersections list. She showed the first updated 10
requests. Question made by Commissioner Steed, to Ms. Carson was to explain what the color
coding relates to within the spreadsheet. She explained the blue highlighted projects are
preferred by West Ada, yellow are preferred by Parks projects, and orange are projects that
we won’t be requesting to ACHD as they are either ITD projects or the City is already
perusing those through other means.
Commissioner Ballard motioned to recommend to the City Council the prioritized Roads &
Intersections list as was displayed after discussed changes; 2nd by Commissioner Hopkins -All
ayes; Passes.
On Community programs there was some discussion. Ms. Carson explained that any projects
from the neighborhood bike and pedestrian plans are notated in column “M” with the
respective North or South plan and project identifier. Ms. Carson opened the floor for
discussion. Some further discussion/clarification from Ms. Carson.
Commissioner Lancaster motioned to recommend to the City Council the prioritized
Community Programs list as was displayed after discussed changes; 2nd by Commissioner
Hopkins -All ayes; Passes.
New Business Items
4. Meridian Police Department Update - Cpl Goodspeed
Cpl Goodspeed began that he has been approached by a number of citizens and officers to
request to review the reductions of speed limits in residential subdivisions to 20 miles per hour.
Commissioner Ballard spoke that if there was something new that needs to be considered it
should be open for discussion. Cpl Goodspeed spoke to the high amount of traffic in Meridian.
He would be in support of the change to 20 miles an hour, to keep speeds down in those areas.
Some further discussion, about having the subcommittee meet to discuss the 20mph residential
ordinance to consider.
5. Staff Communications- M. Carson
Mrs. Carson began discussion on Celebration Avenue parking. There are currently no cross-
parking agreements between the Hideaway Bar & Grill and the Griddle. ACGH will have updates
on the agenda in February.
The Black Cat/Gondola crosswalk is progressing. The item that has been requested for updates
from several residents and City Council. Keller, the project design consultant, is going to send
plans to ACHD early January. We hope to have more information about construction dates once
that has been approved.
The Planning and Zoning commission is accepting applications for 2 open positions.
Lastly, Ms. Carson spoke about the end of year report to City Council; in February she will have
the end of report for the Transportation Commission to review before it is presented to Council
in March.
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Item 1.
Future Meeting Topics
6. Celebration Avenue Parking (February)
7. Lost Rapids Citizen Requests
Next Meeting Date: February 6 2023
Adjournment:
Motion by Commissioner Hopkins to adjourn; 2nd by Commissioner Lewis – All ayes; Passes
(AUDIO RECORDING AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST)
APPROVED:
_______________________ _______________
WALTER STEED, CHAIR DATE
ATTEST:
________________________ _______________
CHRIS JOHNSON (City Clerk) DATE
5
Item 1.
MEMO TO CITY COUNCIL AND
TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
From: Miranda Carson, Coordination Planner Meeting Date: February 6, 2022
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 Transportation 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:
ACHD Integrated Five-Year Work Program: The 2022-2026 Integrated Five-Year Work Plan
(IFYWP) was adopted by the ACHD commission on January 26 th, 2022. More information can
be found here:
https://www.achdidaho.org/Departments/PlansProjects/IFYWP_2226draft.aspx.
2024-2028 IFYWP prioritization will be discussed during the 4:30pm City Council
Workshop on February 7th.
City Staff Contact: Miranda Carson, Community Development
Linder, Overland to Franklin: Public meetings are expected to held early-March. 75% design
will incorporate public feedback, and it is expected to be complete by early-April. After
75% is complete, the City can begin making aesthetic decisions such as: concrete
stamping on the over pass, concrete stamping on the pedestrian side of the 3’ buffer wall
across the bridge, landscaped medians, etc. Design is underway and estimated to be
complete October 2023; public information meeting is planned for early 2023. Construction and
ROW funds for this project are not yet programmed. Widen Linder Rd to 5 lanes with a bicycle
and pedestrian facility from Overland Rd to Franklin Rd. Project includes a new I -84 overpass.
The project includes connection of W Verbena Dr across Linder.
City Staff Contact: Miranda Carson, Community Development
Locust Grove Road, Victory to Overland and roundabout at Victory: Closure from Charloais Dr
to Victory started January 16th; local traffic only on Locust Grove. Utility, water line, and
creek headwalls ongoing. Construction is anticipated to be complete late fall 2023. Locust
Grove Road and Victory Road will be closed for roundabout construction beginning December
8th. Widen Locust Grove to 5 lanes with curb, gutter, multi-use pathway and at-grade side street
crossings. Project includes a dual-lane roundabout at Victory. Projects includes
replacement/widening of bridge #2116 over the Tenmile Creek on Victory Rd and connection on
6
Item 3.
the north end of a sidewalk gap to the west. Here is the project website:
https://engage.achdidaho.org/locust-grove-road-victory-road-to-overland-road
City Staff Contact: Brian McClure, Community Development
Eagle Road, Lake Hazel to Amity: Landscaping within the roundabout at Taconic will be included
in the Cost Share Permit. Design is planned to be complete by summer 2022. Construction in
2024. Widen Eagle to 5 lanes with curb, gutter, sidewalk and a multi-use pathway. Includes a
multi-lane roundabout at Eagle Rd and Taconic Dr. Here is the project website:
https://engage.achdidaho.org/eagle-road-lake-hazel-road-to-amity-road
City Staff Contact: Miranda Carson, Community Development
Lake Hazel and Eagle Signal: Right-of-way is scheduled for 2022/2023. 99% drawings have
been distributed to the project team with the large retaining walls still under review. The design
includes significant grade changes of the existing intersection and will integrate large retaining
walls. Construction in 2024. Widen and signalize intersection to 4/5 lanes on Eagle and 3/4 lanes
on Lake Hazel with multiuse pathway connections. Here is a link to the project website:
https://engage.achdidaho.org/lake-hazel-and-eagle-intersection
City Staff Contact: Brian McClure, Community Development
Fairview, Jericho Road to Eagle & Locust Grove Signal: Construction is expected to start 2025.
This project is exceptionally complex with multiple curbs, materials, and elevations. Z -crossing
just west of Fairview/Webb being considered. 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. Here is a link to the project website: https://engage.achdidaho.org/fairview-avenue-
jericho-road-to-eagle-road
City Staff Contact: Caleb Hood, Community Development
Ustick, Ten Mile to Linder: Right-of-way is scheduled for 2023/2024. Construction is planned for
2024/2025. Design status 75%. Median landscaping is being explored by the project team.
Construction is planned for 2025. Concept includes two pedestrian bridge crossing options over
Five Mile Creek with a signalized crossing over Ustick. Design will include multiuse pathways. A
retaining wall will be necessary along Five Mile Creek. No side walk/pathways along Five Mile
creek where retaining wall to be located; connection will rely on City pathway on north side of
creek. Widen Ustick Rd to 5 lanes with curb, gutter, center medians, and multi-use pathway from
Ten Mile Rd to Linder Rd. https://engage.achdidaho.org/ustick_ten_mile_linder
City Staff Contact: Caleb Hood, Community Development
Ustick, Ten Mile to Black Cat: Public input survey ended November 3rd. Design status 75%.
Median landscaping is being explored by the project team. Widen to 5-lanes with center
medians, and reconstruct Ustick & Black Cat Intersection. Initial approach for intersection is a
roundabout. Signalized crossing at Naomi (location of new ACHD yard, so uth of wastewater
facility). Design in 2023, ROW in 2023-2024, and construction in 2025.
https://engage.achdidaho.org/ustick_black_cat_ten_mile
City Staff Contact: Caleb Hood, Community Development
McMillan/Black Cat Intersection: Multi-lane roundabout with truck apron, curb, gutter, and a 10-
foot-wide multi-use pathway. Crosswalk at each leg with two stage pedestrian crossings and
rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs) at each pedestrian crossing. Design in FY22, ROW
in FY23, and construction in FY24. https://engage.achdidaho.org/mcmillan-and-black-cat-
7
Item 3.
intersection
City Staff Contact: Caleb Hood, Community Development
Amity Rd and Locust Grove Rd Signal: This is now being designed as a multi-lane RAB and
can no longer be expanded to dual or with a future auxiliary turn lane . The first public
involvement meeting will launch on 2/7/2023. ACHD Project Manager has indicated the
project will include sidewalks or a pathway to Mary McPherson Elementary. Project will likely be
constructed in FY24 or FY25.
City Staff Contact: Brian McClure, Community Development
Lake Hazel Road, Eagle to Cloverdale: Public input survey ended November 10th. Design status
50%. Project will include swales adjacent to the roadway. Widen Lake Hazel Rd to five 11’ lanes
with curb gutter and 10’ detached multiuse path on both sides. Bridge improvement included to
remove and replace the existing bridge over the Ten Mile Creek. Design 2022; ROW; 2023;
Construction 2026.
https://engage.achdidaho.org/lake_hazel_eagle_cloverdale
City Staff Contact: Miranda Carson, Community Development
Eagle Road Signal Improvements: The traffic signal controllers were replaced in March
2022. ACHD continues to run into issues with the traffic signal controller software and
the new software system that analyzes the data from the traffic signal controllers. Vendor
working on providing a solution to the current issue of decoding the data. Consultant is
unable to process data and provide updated timing plans until issue is resolved. Vendor
has promised to get the current issue solved within by late-February.
ACHD CAPITAL MAINTENANCE
Residential Capital Maintenance includes conducting field reconnaissance and collecting survey
data to determine an improvement strategy for deteriorated/non -compliant facilities such as:
pavement, drainage, pipes, sidewalks, ramps. ACHD aims for bringing the segments up to
Complete Streets standards where possible. Existing non-compliant pedestrian ramp and
driveway access points located along each roadway segment will be identified to be upgraded
to meet ADA compliance. Reasonable attempts will be made to imp rove each pedestrian ramp
as directional, not diagonal.
FY2021 Residential Capital Maintenance: Construction ongoing Winter 2022/2023: E 2nd St,
Idaho to Carlton; E 4th, Broadway to State
Substantially Complete: E State, 2nd to Cathy Ln; E 4th, Washington to Janie Ln; E 5th, State to
north end; E Bower, 2nd to east end; NE 5th Ave, Franklin to Bower; E Washington, 4th to Cathy
Ln. https://engage.achdidaho.org/2021-residential-capital-maintenance
City Staff Contact: Miranda Carson, Community Development
FY2022 Residential Capital Maintenance: Construction has been pushed to 2024; the project
name will adjust accordingly. The goal is to have a minimum 33’ roadway pavement width so
parking can be accommodated on both sides; 36’ is pretty typical with some sections even being
wider. ACHD is aiming for complete streets where possible. Segments include: W 3rd St, W Pine
to north end; E Broadway Ave, E 3rd to E 6th; W Cherry Ave, NW 4th St to Meridian Rd; W Idaho
Ave, W 8th St to N Meridian Rd; W Maple Ave, W 1st St to N Meridian Rd; W 2nd St, W Cherry
Ave to W Cherry Ln; NW 4th S, W Broadway Ave to Maple Ave.
https://engage.achdidaho.org/2022-residential-capital-maintenance Segments E Washington
8
Item 3.
Ave, NW 7th to Meridian Rd; NW 7th St, W Washington St to middle school micro -path; and W
5th Ave, W Washington St to W Carlton Ave are also part of this project, but have a separate
web page: https://engage.achdidaho.org/washington-street-and-6th-street
City Staff Contact: Miranda Carson, Community Development
FY2023 Residential Capital Maintenance: Construction has been pushed to 2025; the project
name will adjust accordingly. Segments included: 1st St W, south end to Franklin Road; Rose
Circle; Country Terrace Way S, south end to Overland Road; Blossom Pl, south end to W
McGlinchey Ave; McGlinchey Ave, Blossom Pl to NW 8th St; Interlachen Ct, west end to
Interlachen Way; Laurel Ct, south end to Verbena Dr; Tobago Ct. E., west end to SE 5 th Way;
Larkspur Ct, south end to Verbena Dr; Lilac St, south end to Waltman St; Lavender Ct, south
end to Verbena Dr; Sugar Creek, south end to Sugar Creek Dr; Lawndale Dr, McGlinchey Ave
to Crestmont Dr; Cruser Dr, west end to Five Mile Rd; and Francine Pl S, Victory Rd to S
Francine Ln.
City Staff Contact: Caleb Hood, Community Development
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 accommodat e future
widening to 6 travel lanes (three in each direction) with high capacity intersections at roads with
river crossings. Project website: https://itdprojects.org/projects/chindenwest/
ID-16 to Linder: This section of the project is complete.
Locust Grove Road to Eagle Road: This section of the project is complete.
Linder Road to Locust Grove Road: Phase 2 Meridian Road to Locust Grove Road will begin
September-December 2022 with demolition, utility work, and clearing the ITD right-of-way.
Road reconstruction will begin when temperatures allow, estimated in February 2023. All work
will wrap up in early summer 2023. All four lanes from Linder to Meridian are open.
Star Road to ID-16: Improvements include re-aligning and reconstructing US-20/26,
constructing pathways, and relocating nearby irrigation infrastructure. Construction will begin
in fall 2022 with anticipated completion in spring 2024.
Middleton Road to Star Road: Construction is planned for 2024. An online public meeting was
held the first week of June. Information from that meeting can be found here:
https://chindenwest.com/middletontostar/.
City Staff Contact: Caleb Hood, Community Development
Idaho Highway 16 extension, U.S. 20/26 to I -84: Construction will require occasional
closures or delays on roads in the project area. Part of Flamingo Avenue will be closed
for several months between McDermott Road and the gravel pit east of Robinson Road.
Access to and from McDermott Road and US-20/26 will permanently close. Access to
businesses and residences will remain open. Construction is anticipated to be complete 2024
and will include: Five miles of highway between U.S. 20/26 and I-84; an interchange at SH-16/I-
84; signalized intersections at Franklin Road and Ustick Road; reconstruction of the U.S. 20/26
intersection; overpasses at Cherry Lane, McMillan Road, and the railroad; and minor
adjustments to local roads near SH-16. ITD is also completing the design of the future
interchanges at Franklin Road, Ustick Road, U.S. 20/26 and State Highway 44. Additional
9
Item 3.
funding will be needed to build these interchanges. Project website:
https://itdprojects.org/projects/sh16corridor/
Eagle Road, Overland to SH- 44 State St: Construction has paused for the winter. ITD
repaved Eagle Road between Overland and Franklin and the Boise River and Island Woods
Drive. Project includes pavement rehabilitation and pedestrian ramp improvements. All work will
take place at night over two construction seasons. Franklin Road to Boise River will be
constructed in 2023.
https://itdprojects.org/projects/eagleroadrepairs/
SH-55 Eagle Road Safety Review: The review scope and timeline continue to be refined by the
project team. An inter-agency team has been assembled to discuss a safety review of Eagle
Road, Chinden to I-84. 2 meetings have been held to date to kick off the project and discuss the
scope of that review.
SH-69, Kuna to Meridian Traffic Study: The project team held Technical Committee Meetings in
May. It is anticipated the City will be provided a briefing by ITD in the Summer 2022 timeframe.
ITD is studying options to improve safety, mobility and access on Idaho 69 between Kuna and
Meridian. There is currently no funding identified in ITD’s seven -year budget for the SH-69
improvements. https://itdprojects.org/projects/id69corridor/
City Staff Contact: Caleb Hood, Community Development
PATHWAYS
South Meridian Neighborhood Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan: Stoddard Road design is open for
community input at the below link. Design status 75% meeting to be held 1/5/2023 for 3
segment improvements in the plan: Stoddard Road, Victory to Overland; Locust Grove Rd at
Palermo Dr pedestrian crossing; and bridge #1207 at Locust Grove Rd and Ten Mile creek.
Construction is not yet programmed. ACHD and several partners including the City coordinated
to develop a plan to help improve walking and bicycling routes in South Meridian neighborhoods.
https://engage.achdidaho.org/neighborhood -plans
Stoddard project webpage https://engage.achdidaho.org/stoddard-road-victory-road-to-
overland-road?tool=survey_tool&tool_id=community-feedback-survey111#tool_tab
Hollandale/Targee Bikeway Study: The Hollandale Concept Design was adopted by the
Commission December 7th, 2022. ACHD invited the City to participate in a concept study for a
bikeway that goes from Locust Grove Rd to Ente rtainment Ave along local roads. The purpose
of the study is mainly to emphasize the bike route as a low-stress bikeway with signs and
pavement markings. Design: 2024; ROW: 2025; Construction: Future.
https://engage.achdidaho.org/hollandale -targee-neighborhood-improvements
Rail with Trail: This project is still a priority for all agencies involved, but has gotten to the point
where the effort needs to come from a broader group of stakeholders that would include higher -
level decisionmakers able to enter into negotiations and identify funding sources.
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. The Parks department is poised to complete
a land trade at the end of 2022 to obtain the final access (on 3rd Street) that will make the Rail
with Trail (RWT) segment from 3rd Street to 8th Street possible. That portion will be funded with
Local Highway Technical Assistance Council (LHTAC) monies (previously awarded, but pushed
out a couple of times). Established schedule to take advantage of that funding is Design in 2023
10
Item 3.
and Construction in 2024. The Parks and Recreation Department continues to pursue remaining
easements needed west of this project segment, from Linder Road to 8th St. No recent progress
on the parcels between 3rd street and Meridian Road, though they will e ventually be a part of
this pathway segment, whether through negotiated easements or future development conditions.
Five Mile Creek Pathway: The Parks Department has contracted with Brighton Corporation to
cost share for the pedestrian portion of the vehicular bridge across the Five Mile Creek in the
proposed Quartet Subdivision, which has recently broken ground. The City will build a run of
pathway along the south side of the Five Mile Creek from the Quartet Subdivision, to the Nine
Mile Creek, which will culminate in a pedestrian bridge crossing of the Nine Mile Creek and a
connection to the existing McNelis Pathway. Construction plans are currently at 95%, with plans
to bid summer of 2022. ACHD owns a property along the proposed pathway route and will
dedicate an easement for pathway. The City will share construction plans with ACHD, who will
either construct the pathway segment on the ACHD property or reimburse the city for its
construction as part of the larger City project.
OTHER PROJECTS
Valley Regional Transit: Route 45 Boise State to CWI had a major service change beginning in
October. Route 45 is now via Fairview and includes stops in Meridian. Previously this route did
not service Meridian. Route 30 Pine from the Ten Mile Interchange area through downtown to
The Village launched in October 3rd, 2022.
https://www.valleyregionaltransit.org/
City Staff Contact: Miranda Carson, Community Development
11
Item 3.
Transportation Commission Ordinance and Development Subcommittee
February 6, 2023 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Conference Room CD-12, City Hall, 33 E Broadway Ave
AGENDA
I. Roll:
_ Tom LeClaire
_ Jared Smith
_ Walter Steed
_ Zachary Shoemaker
II. Downtown Streetscape Plan – Chris Danley, Vitruvian
III. Speed Limit Ordinance Review – Tom LeClaire
IV. Future Topics
V. Next Meeting
12
Item 4.
MEMO TO CITY COUNCIL
Agenda Topic on the City Council Agenda
From: Meridian Transportation Commission Meeting Date: March 7, 2023
Presenter: Walter Steed, Chair Estimated Time: 15 minutes
Topic: Transportation Commission 2022 End of Year Report
Meridian Transportation Commission
-Walter Steed, Chair
-Jared Smith, Vice-Chair
-David Ballard
-Stephen Lewis
-Tracy Hopkins
-Ryan Lancaster
-Tom LeClaire
-Zachary Shoemaker
- Hoyoon Song
The Meridian Transportation Commission was formed in February 2013 with Ordinance No. 13-152. The
Commission consists of nine appointed commissioners and meets in the Council Chambers on the first Monday of
each month. Walter Steed and Jared Smith served as Chair and Vice-Chair in 2022. Last month both were re-
elected to their respective positions for 2023. Joseph Leckie served as the Youth Commissioner January through
August; Hoyoon Song was appointed to the position beginning in October.
Representatives from Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) District 3, Ada County Highway District (ACHD),
COMPASS, Valley Regional Transit (VRT), and the West Ada School District (WASD) attend as ex-officio members.
Planning Division Manager Caleb Hood and Comprehensive Associate Coordination Planner Miranda Carson
provide staff support. Tishra Murray, Deputy City Attorney, provides legal guidance. January through September,
Sergeant Justin Dance provided regular traffic issues and concerns from the Meridian Police Department (MPD)
to the Commission. Since October, Corporal Randy Goodspeed has provided those updates. City Staff provides
monthly updates regarding the progress of ITD and ACHD projects in design and construction. Additional City staff
and other staff from the ex-officio agencies interact with the Commission from time-to-time, as do members of
the public.
Regarding what we did last year, in January 2022, resident Jon Wheeler presented on concerns at the Bri
Development on Records Avenue south of River Valley. The Commission requested a speed study and crosswalk
evaluation from ACHD on Records, and ACHD determined no change was warranted with crosswalks. Valley
Regional Transit’s Alissa Taysom provided an update on the Connected 2.0 transit plan.
In February, the Commission heard a presentation from Meridian Planner, Brian McClure on the new Fields Sub-
area Plan, and Planning Director, Caleb Hood on center median options along Ustick Road. The Commission had
lengthy discussion of variable road speeds on Eagle Road and recommended a speed study. The Ordinance and
Development Subcommittee discussed Meridian parking ordinance and reviewed current conditions of
Downtown parking; Subcommittee Chair, Tom LeClaire provided an update to the full Commission. To refresh
Commission and update newer Commissioners, Miranda Carson provided a review of the Commission bylaws, and
there was discussion of duties and powers.
13
Item 5.
In March, Commissioner Stephen Lewis presented on enhanced pedestrian crossings, which the ACHD Pedestrian
Advisory Group was considering in the Valley and solicited feedback from fellow Commissioners.
In May, ACHD’s Meg McCarthy gave a presentation on the ACHD Bicycle Advisory Committee. Per citizen request,
there was also discussion on crosswalks on Stockenham and consideration of adding compression brake signs on
Linder.
In June, Mayor Simison at the request of the Commission recapped the State of the City transportation review. A
citizen concern regarding compression brake usage on Linder Road was further discussed with input from ACHD
and City staff. Austin Miller from ACHD presented on the agency’s Capital Improvement Plan and impact fee
ordinance. Resident Samantha Cragg presented on concerns regarding a pathway crossing on Amity, and the
Commission recommended an enhanced crossing be considered by the Prioritization subcommittee for inclusion
in the City’s Integrated Five-Year Work Plan (IFYWP) requests. Discussion began on citizen concerns around a
micro-path in the Raven Hill subdivision.
In August, Chair Steed provided an update on the ACHD Capital Investment Citizens Advisory Committee’s (CICAC)
work on the ACHD impact fee ordinance. Resident concerns regarding u-turns on Chinden at Linder and “no
parking” signs in the Woodbridge neighborhood were discussed. Resident concerns of a crossing at Black Cat and
Gondola were discussed, and the Commission recommended an enhanced crossing be included in the City’s IFYWP
requests.
In September, Commissioners and staff were given a tour of the ACHD Traffic Operation Center and Sign Shop.
The tour also included an overview of current traffic signal operation in Ada County.
In October, Elaine Clegg and COMPASS Planner Lila Klopfenstein provided a presentation on the history and future
of local and interstate railways in the Treasure Valley. COMPASS Planner Hunter Mulhall provided a presentation
on the I-84 Operations Corridor Plan. There was lengthy discussion on a citizen inquiry in regard to speed limit
signs and a crosswalk on Lost Rapids Drive near Bird Park. The Commission recommended MPD and ACHD staff
collect and review speed data in the area. The Commission recommended a painted crossing be considered by
the Prioritization subcommittee for inclusion in the City’s IFYWP requests.
In November, Lost Rapids Drive speed data from MPD and ACHD was reviewed and discussed. The Transportation
Commission requested ACHD follow up with the neighbors regarding traffic calming and do a crosswalk evaluation
at San Vito/Lost Rapids. There was also discussion regarding additional parking at Bird Park. Miranda Carson
provided a primer on the City’s annual transportation project prioritization efforts that were set to kick off with
staff later in the month and begin with the Commission in December. The Prioritization subcommittee had a
lengthy meeting in late-November to begin prioritizing Meridian transportation Projects as part of the IFYWP
process.
In December, Ashley Ferguson, owner of The Griddle restaurant on Overland, presented a request to have a
crosswalk installed and the speed reduced on Celebration Avenue due to concerns about pedestrian safety in the
area. The Commission recommended several actions, and City and ACHD staff began to work through these issues.
The Commission reviewed the Roads and Intersections section of the IFYWP list.
A complete record of TC minutes can be found here:
https://weblink.meridiancity.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=255481&dbid=0&repo=MeridianCity.
The Transportation Commission is grateful for the opportunity to provide service to the citizens of Meridian and
City Council regarding transportation systems in our community.
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Item 5.
MEMO TO TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
Agenda Topic on the Transportation Commission Agenda
From: Miranda Carson, Coordination Planner Meeting Date: February 6, 2023
Topic: Staff Communications
Below are summaries of relevant correspondences received by City Staff since the last TC meeting.
Traffic Concern Lost Rapids at Bird Park
After discussion at the Commission and staff level, ACHD requested Mr. McLean, the resident who
initially requested review, reach out to ACHD directly. Mr. McLean sent the following request on
1/2/2023.
Good morning Mr. Martin, my name is Chuck MacLean, a resident of the relatively new
Cadence development next to the Costco on Ten Mile Rd. A few wee ks ago, Mayor Simison
and his staff visited with us in our clubhouse, and asked if we had any concerns. I mentioned
that we had some concerns with traffic speed on Lost Rapids between our development and
Bird Park. After talking with his team, they suggested we contact ACHD directly.
It appears that some drivers use Tree Farm / Lost Rapids as a bit of a shortcut between
Chinden heading West and Ten Mile heading South. Given that there is a lot of pedestrian
traffic between our development across Lost Rapids Rd. to Bird Park, along with the fact that
the intersection is being used as a school bus pick-up and delivery point, we recommend that
a crosswalk be painted on the intersection to facilitate more caution at that point. I’m
referring to a painted crosswalk, not the traffic light type found on busier roads. Please feel
free to contact me with any questions regarding our concern. Thank you for your help.
Black Cat at Gondola Crosswalk Progress
The 100% plans were approved by ACHD on 1/25. We are awaiting news from West Ada on a
construction timeline.
Traffic Light at E Blue Heron and Meridian Road
We received the following request from Carrie Ann Shuter requesting a traffic light at Blue Heron
at Meridian Road:
The intersection is the only way out for 185 apartments, 36 senior condos and a meat
packing plant. And, it is very busy and during rush hours it is near impossible to get out.
When there is snow and traffic is slow it is bad. If there is an incident on Meridian Road we
are trapped. Please push this and get us a traffic light.
After staff coordination we received the following updates from Shawn Martin:
We will get the signal evaluation request moving.
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Item 6.
There are currently no plans to extend Blue Heron. With the apartment development (staff
report attached), the applicant was to make that connection a ped/bike/emergency access
only.
Note: The required improvement for ped/bike/emergency access was made with development.
Speed Limit on Locust Grove, Fairview to Ustick
We received the following request from Dan Derby regarding the speed limit on Locust Grove:
We are glad to see the traffic signal changed at the intersection of Locust Grove and
Chateau Street. We were also happy to see police checking for speeding cars. Speeding on
this section of road has been a problem for quite a while. Maybe you can lower the speed
limit back down from Fairview to Ustick. Our sympathy goes out to the family of the child
that was killed.
After staff coordination we received the following updates from Joshua Saak at ACHD:
I have no record of any recent changes in speed limit on Locust Grove from Ustick to
Fairview – it has been posted 40 mph for at least the last 15 years, as evidenced by past
Street View imagery.
Joint Meetings with ACHD and WASD
City Council will be holding back to back joint meetings with ACHD and WASD on February 23rd in
Council Chambers. ACHD Commission will be meeting with Council from 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM.
WASD will be meeting with Council from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
Intersection and Pedestrian Safety Taskforce
After requests from elected officials and administration at both the City and ACHD, the City will be
leading an interagency taskforce focusing on intersection and pedestrian safety in Meridian,
particularly around schools. I recognize and appreciate the work that already goes into these
safety efforts at the Meridian Police Department, ACHD, and West Ada. The goal of this taskforce
will be to discuss the efforts that have already been made, determine what efforts could come
from an interagency team, and perform site visits of major intersections. The kick off meeting will
be held February 9th.
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Item 6.