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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 ~~~ X13 DATE ATTEST: JAYCEE L. HOLMAN ~~~~~ Qo~T6D AUCUSTl LO4 l'90 tiZ w w~tY°f _ _. ~.,~ Y {- ` I D AH O ~ ~ 6 ~~ "~ nF~T~R °~ tAe T0.E~6J~~,~