2013 07-01Meeting Minutes
Meridian Transportation Commission
July 1, 2013
3:31 PM-5:00 PM
Attendance & Agenda
• Members Present: Ryan Lancaster, Tracy Hopkins, Stephen Lewis, David
Ballard, Pat Morandi, Jo Ann Bujarski, Jack McGee, and Micah Gale
• Ex-Officio Members Present: Councilman David Zaremba, Mark Wasdahl (for
Dave Szplett), Shawn Martin, Toni Tisdale, Kelli Fairless (for Mary Barker), and
Bruce Gestrin
• Members Absent: Larry Gardner
• Others Present: Caleb Hood (City of Meridian), and Ted Baird (City of Meridian)
• Meeting agenda topics included: 1) Roll Call, 2) Adoption of the Agenda (Hopkins
motioned approval; Ballard seconded; all ayes), 3) Approval of June 3~d Minutes
(McGee motioned approval; Ballard seconded; all ayes), 4a) SpurWing
Subdivision, Golf Carts on Streets and Current City Code, 4b) Transportation
Projects Update, 5a) Valley Regional Transit Agency Overview, 5b) Potential
Changes to VRT Bus Routes, 6) Future Meeting Topics, 7) Adjourn
Old Business
A. SpurWing Subdivision. Golf Carts on Streets and Current City Code - As
requested by the Commission during the June meeting, staff provided the
Commission with information on current city code regarding Golf Carts. Ted Baird
mentioned that State Code on this topic is relatively new and he will look at
current city code for consistency. Commissioner Gale mentioned research he
had done on low-speed vehicles, and that most can only do about 20-25 mph. He
stated a concern with allowing golf carts on any 35 or 45 mph roads. Councilman
Zaremba stated that he doesn't want the city to take on liability, but wants time to
look into the laws and notice the golf communities if we do need to change city
ordinances. He also questions if it is legal for "standard" golf carts to even cross
public streets, let alone driving on streets. He thinks it appropriate for carts to at
least be able to cross local streets. Commissioner McGee stated that he doesn't
think this section of city code is even needed; State Code could just be used.
Commissioner Ballard also questioned why the city would want to (can) restrict or
allow sub-standard vehicles when the State defines what constitutes a street
legal vehicle. There was a discussion about whether the city should even have
regulations on this topic, or just let State Code ride. There was also a
discussion/concern about the current communities that allow golf carts per
current city code. Commissioner Lancaster concurs with what has been said and
that these are the types of items the Commission should advise the Council
about. Ted Baird stated that they will look at this issue with the Police
Department on enforcement and if there is a preemptive issue between city and
state codes. He also will explore the "sunsetting" of golf carts being allowed and
if that is something to address in a code revision. Member Martin says that
ACRD typically just signs golf cart crossings and he doesn't know of any issues
with this practice. Commissioner McGee made a motion to recommend to City
Council eliminating golf cart regulations and to give a special review of sunsetting
to the two existing communities that currently allow golf carts on public streets.
The motion also included tabling the discussion about SpurWing until the larc1er
_cod_ a issues were resolved by Council. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Gale. All ayes. The process for how this topic gets before the
Council was then discussed. Ted Baird stated he would work with Bill Nary and
Caleb Hood on getting this topic before the Council for direction, before asking
them for any official changes to city code. Caleb Hood mentioned that he will
work with Legal and the City Clerk to make sure it gets on an upcoming agenda,
probably during a Council workshop, and. that the Commissions' recommendation
will be shared with the Council by staff. Commissioner Ballard clarified that the
Commission is not recommending that current law enforcement not enforce
current federal, state and local laws with today's motion and action, and that he
believes time is of the essence to clarify and ensure consistency among laws.
B. Transportation Projects Update: A memo was provided in the packet, dated June
21St, 2013, summarizing some of the transportation projects in process. Caleb
Hood did not verbally present any of the projects listed in the memo, but offered
to answer any questions.
New Business
A. Valley Regional Transit Agency Overview: Kelli Fairless, Executive Director of
VRT presented the agency history, charge, administration, funding formulas and
sources, services, ridership, partnerships, plans and projects VRT is currently
working on.
B. Potential Changes to VRT Bus Routes: Kelli Fairless, Executive Director of VRT
mentioned some service changes they are recommending to the inter-county
routes that serve Meridian: Route 40 (add a morning trip and an evening trip;
extend the trip to the new bus facility on Happy Day Road in Caldwell; and make
some minor changes to stops); Route 42 (change the route to end at Boise
Towne Square Mall (instead of downtown) and transfer if going into downtown
Boise; extend route to new transfer center in Caldwell; go down Pine instead of
Corporate; and make some other minor route/stop changes); and to add a new
service, Route 47, Ustick Road Limited Stop (includes 2 morning and 2 evening
trips, with a focus on park and ride lots). Commissioner Bujarski questioned the
timing of this new route and the construction projects planned along Ustick Road.
Kelli Fairless went through some of the financial implications and funding sources
for VRT. Commissioner Lancaster asked questions about the VRT Board make-
up and funding. Commissioner Ballard asked a question about ridership
demographics. Member Martin asked a question about a park and ride site in
west Boise. Commissioner Lancaster asked what the Commissions' role should
be on this topic. Councilman Zaremba mentioned that as the Commission keeps
meeting, this is a topic that will likely be on future agendas. He also explained the
funding issues that exist within the current system. Caleb Hood mentioned that if
the Commission has preferences on things like the Route 47, and the other route
changes those are things the Commission can make a motion on, but does not
recommend making larger, broader, political statements to the Council about
transit right now. Kelli Fairless explained the public involvement process for the
route changes and when any changes would go into effect. She also mentioned
how Boise deals with topics like this. Commissioner Lancaster does not believe it
is appropriate for the Commission to weigh in on budget-type matters, but any
recommendations on service-type issues would be appropriate. (No motion was
made.)
Future Meeting Topics
The Commission discussed ACHD and COMPASS agency overviews for August
and that in September the by-laws would be discussed. Commissioner Gale
asked for an update on the Golf Cart Ordinance under Old Business. The
Commission also addressed the September meeting and the conflict with Labor
Day; it was verbally agreed to try and coordinate room availability for September
Stn (instead of the 2"d) and to discuss/confirm the September meeting date during
the August meeting.
Commissioner Gale motioned to adjourn and Commissioner McGee seconded the
motion. All ayes. Meeting adjourned at approximately 5:00 pm.
(AUDIO RECORDING ON FILE OF THESE PROCEEDINGS)
APP OVED:
R N LANCASTER, CHAIR
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